Patient with insidious hypoactive delirium associated with pregabalin. Issue 5 (19th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mezaki, Naomi; Ishihara, Tomohiko; Ozawa, Tetsutaro; Takeuchi, Ryoko; Onodera, Osamu; Shimohata, Takayoshi; Nishizawa, Masatoyo
• Is Part Of: Neurology and clinical neuroscience. Volume 1:Issue 5(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2013-09-19
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ncn3.48
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-4173

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ncn348-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>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.</p> </abstract>