Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in essential tremor: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Joseph M. Ferrara, Christopher Kenney, Anthony L. Davidson, Lina Shinawi, Abigail M. Kissel, Joseph Jankovic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

We performed a double-blind, crossover-design study to assess the tolerability and efficacy of pregabalin (PGB) in patients with essential tremor (ET). Twenty patients (11 women; mean age of 62.2 ± 12.7 years, mean ET duration of 25.5 ± 14.9 years) with ET were randomized for treatment with PGB (150-600 mg/day) or placebo, titrated over 6 weeks. Identical assessments of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) (primary endpoint), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and a sleep hygiene questionnaire (HD-16) were made at the baseline, at the end of treatment periods for both drug and placebo, and following the 2-week washout period preceding crossover. We found no improvement in any of the TRS measures and a statistically significant worsening of QUEST scores while patients were taking PGB. Adverse events were similar in frequency to previously published studies of PGB, the most common being drowsiness and dizziness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)195-197
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume285
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2009

Keywords

  • Essential tremor
  • Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS)
  • Pregabalin
  • Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST)

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