Abstract
Pregabalin has been a widely used substance, primarily in the treatment of epilepsy. However, its mechanism of action has gradually introduced its use in other indications - most recently it is an indication of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Pregabalin is shown to be at least a comparably effective alternative to both benzodiazepines and SSRIs/SNRIs. At the same time, however, it has a significantly faster onset of action (eg versus venlafaxine).
In contrast to benzodiazepines, it has a significantly more favorable safety profile, as evidenced by the lower number of patients prematurely discontinuing treatment. The sustained nature of its effect and the possibility of its use not only in GAD but also in somatic diseases in which anxiety occurs as co-morbidity are also evident.