Pregabalin Toxicity in Kidney Failure: A Medication Error With Neurological Consequences

We present a case of pregabalin toxicity in a 50-year-old dialysis-dependent female, who presented with a one-day history of progressive weakness, lethargy, and gait disturbance. They were successfully treated with haemodialysis. The case is notable for the atypical toxidrome seen in kidney failure, which occurred after a community pharmacy error led to a single twelvefold-increased dose. It also demonstrates the role of the emergency department pharmacist, who was crucial in identifying the medication error. The report emphasises the importance of careful medication reconciliation, especially in patients with kidney failure. It also highlights the importance of considering gabapentinoid toxicity in any patient who presents with new, unexplained neurological symptoms.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100611
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Poisoning and overdose treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
38.36
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article

Pregabalin Toxicity in Kidney Failure: A Medication Error With Neurological Consequences

Shea Roffey, Adam Selway, Maddison Taylor, Peter Del Mar et al.
1 citations
Cureus
Poisoning and overdose treatments
38.36
article

Pregabalin Toxicity in Kidney Failure: A Medication Error With Neurological Consequences

Shea Roffey, Adam Selway, Maddison Taylor, Peter Del Mar, Anthony F Brown
article en
1 citations

Abstract

We present a case of pregabalin toxicity in a 50-year-old dialysis-dependent female, who presented with a one-day history of progressive weakness, lethargy, and gait disturbance. They were successfully treated with haemodialysis. The case is notable for the atypical toxidrome seen in kidney failure, which occurred after a community pharmacy error led to a single twelvefold-increased dose. It also demonstrates the role of the emergency department pharmacist, who was crucial in identifying the medication error. The report emphasises the importance of careful medication reconciliation, especially in patients with kidney failure. It also highlights the importance of considering gabapentinoid toxicity in any patient who presents with new, unexplained neurological symptoms.

CureusVol. 18(1)
The University of Queensland (AU), Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (AU), Princess Alexandra Hospital (AU), Princess Alexandra Hospital (GB)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Poisoning and overdose treatments
38.36
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