A 17 Week, Investigator-initiated, Single-center, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Cross-over Trial of Pregabalin in Essential Tremor

Detailed Summary

Pregabalin is approved for the treatment of nerve pain as well as an additional therapy in the treatment of seizures. In December 2004, Pfizer gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use of pregabalin in nerve pain associated with diabetes and shingles; making it the first FDA-approved treatment for both of these nerve pain states. Tremor is uncontrolled trembling in part of the body. Essential tremor (ET) is associated with purposeful movement(e.g., holding a glass to drink, shaving, writing and buttoning a shirt). It occurs most often in the hands and head and also may affect the arms, voice box (larynx), trunk, and legs. ET is caused by abnormalities in areas of the brain that control movement. It usually does not result in serious complications. ET affects approximately 5 million people in the United States. Incidence is highest in people over the age of 60. ET usually develops gradually during middle age or later in life. Symptoms may remain mild or become more severe over time. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and hot or cold weather can worsen the disorder. Severe tremor may cause difficulty doing activities of daily living, such as: * Brushing hair and teeth * Holding a glass without spilling * Performing self-care (e.g., getting dressed, shaving, putting on makeup) * Using eating utensils * Writing and drawing The purpose of this pilot/feasibility study is to examine the tolerability and efficacy of Pregabalin in patients with ET. In other words, can patients diagnosed with ET tolerate high dose of pregabalin? Will the pregabalin be considered as an efficient medicine in the treatment of ET?

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