Pregabalin Use in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Case Report

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality, characterized by persistent depressive symptoms despite comprehensive therapeutic interventions. Standard antidepressants for managing major depressive disorder (MDD) primarily target the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine pathways. Pregabalin, an anxiolytic anticonvulsant, shows promise as an adjunct therapy for TRD. This case report details a 57-year-old male with a 10-year history of MDD who experienced substantial symptom improvement following the addition of pregabalin to his treatment regimen. Previous interventions, including traditional antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid supplementation, stimulants, stimulant-like medications, electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, were either poorly tolerated or ineffective. This case demonstrates pregabalin's potential as an effective adjunct in TRD management and underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies to optimize outcomes for patients with complex psychiatric and medical needs.