Study of Pregabalin as Premedication for Anxiolysis in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

Amit Chaudhary; Amit Sharma Bhattarai; Pankaj Joshi; Anil Shrestha

Amit Chaudhary Consultant, Narayani Sub Regional Hospital, Birgunj
Amit Sharma Bhattarai Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pankaj Joshi Lecturer, Department of Anaesthesiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus
Anil Shrestha Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus

Keywords: Beck anxiety inventory; Elective surgical procedures; pregabalin; preoperative anxiety.

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety affects 25–80% of surgical patients, impairing postoperative recovery. Pregabalin, by modulating neuronal excitability, may alleviate this anxiety. This study evaluated the efficacy of pregabalin 150 mg in reducing preoperative anxiety.

Methods: A prospective observational study included 50 ASA I/II patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-Nepali), a 21-item self-report scale (scores 0–3 per item). Baseline BAI scores, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded. Patients received oral pregabalin 150 mg as premedication, and BAI scores and hemodynamic parameters were reassessed after 120 minutes.

Results: At baseline, 94% (n=47) had minimal anxiety (BAI: 2.22 ± 2.85), 4% (n=2) mild, and 2% (n=1) moderate. Post-intervention, all patients (100%) exhibited minimal anxiety (BAI: 1.4 ± 1.41, p=0.003). Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure) remained stable.

Conclusions: A single dose of pregabalin 150 mg significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in elective surgical patients, with no adverse hemodynamic effects. These findings support its use as an effective anxiolytic premedication.