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Patient with insidious hypoactive delirium associated with pregabalin
Author(s) -
Mezaki Naomi,
Ishihara Tomohiko,
Ozawa Tetsutaro,
Takeuchi Ryoko,
Onodera Osamu,
Shimohata Takayoshi,
Nishizawa Masatoyo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
neurology and clinical neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
0ISSN - 2049-4173
DOI - 10.1111/ncn3.48
Subject(s) - pregabalin , delirium , medicine , somnolence , discontinuation , lethargy , anesthesia , adverse effect , intensive care medicine
Pregabalin has favorable effects on several types of neurological pain, but can cause side‐effects including dizziness, somnolence and delirium. Delirium presents as two variants in terms of psychomotor disturbance: the hyperactive type, showing agitation and vigilance; and the hypoactive type, showing lethargy and decreased motor activity. Patients with delirium associated with pregabalin therapy have been reported to experience hyperactive delirium. Here, we report the case of a 68‐year‐old patient with insidious hypoactive delirium caused by pregabalin therapy for postherpetic neuralgia. Delirium improved after discontinuation of pregabalin. Hypoactive delirium is considered to be more common than the hyperactive type in older adults, and is likely to be overlooked. Attention should thus be paid to latent cases of hypoactive delirium associated with pregabalin therapy in elderly individuals.