Pharmacotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder: focus and update on pregabalin

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and clinically characterized by both psychological anxiety and somatic symptoms (muscular tension and autonomic symptoms). Next to serotonergic antidepressants, the Ca2+ channel alpha(2)delta ligand pregabalin is an approved first-line treatment of GAD in many countries. Pregabalin is considered effective against psychological and somatic anxiety symptoms alike. However, occurrence of discontinuation syndromes and a growing number of reports regarding abuse or dependence during the last years are concerns, particularly in patients with a history of addictive behavior. Here we review key issues of GAD and the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of pregabalin. Above all, we evaluate evidence from available randomized placebo-controlled as well as head-to-head clinical trials with other drugs regarding its efficacy and safety in the GAD treatment.