Pregabalin add-on treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study in adults with partial seizures

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate pregabalin (PGB), 150 mg/day, and PGB, 600 mg/day, as an add-on treatment for patients with refractory partial seizures concurrently treated with one to three anticonvulsants (AEDs).

Methods: An international (13 countries), multicenter (45 centers), 12-week, double-blind, randomized study in which patients with partial seizures received placebo (n = 96); PGB, 150 mg/day (n = 99); or PGB, 600 mg/day (n = 92); given 3 times a day (t.i.d.). The primary efficacy criterion was reduction in seizure frequency during treatment as compared with baseline, as measured by RRatio, the symmetrical percentage change in seizure rates determined from daily seizure diaries. The RRatio between the 8-week baseline (pretreatment phase) and the 12-week treatment period were compared between each of the PGB groups and the placebo group by using an analysis of variance analysis of the intent-to-treat population.

Results: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, were both significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the RRatio [-11.5 (p = 0.0007) and -31.4 (p < or = 0.0001), respectively, vs. 0.9]. These RRatio values correspond to seizure-frequency reductions from baseline of -1.8, 20.6, and 47.8% for placebo, 150 mg/day, and 600 mg/day, respectively. PGB efficacy was significantly dose related (p < or = 0.0001). Secondary efficacy variables corroborated the findings of the primary analysis. Significantly more patients were responders (> or =50% reduction in seizure frequency) in the PGB, 600 mg/day (43.5%), group than in the placebo group (6.2%) (p < or = 0.001). PGB was well tolerated. Dose-related, treatment-emergent adverse events (> or =10%), mostly mild or moderate in intensity, were somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, and weight gain. The withdrawal rate due to adverse events was 10% of patients at 150 mg/day and 18.5% of patients at 600 mg/day, compared with 6.2% of patients receiving placebo.

Conclusions: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, is highly effective and well-tolerated add-on therapy in patients with partial seizures.