A comparison of the effectiveness of lacosamide and pregabalin in treating patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain: a randomized, controlled, open-label pilot trial.

Chronic neuropathic pain is characterized by complex pathophysiology, and its treatment is associated with significant healthcare costs and resources. Controlling pain intensity remains challenging, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Lacosamide and pregabalin have shown efficacy in neuropathic pain management, but comparative studies, particularly in the Indian population, are limited. A prospective, open-label, randomized controlled, parallel-arm pilot study was conducted on patients of either gender > 18 years of age with definite or probable neuropathic pain lasting beyond three months. Of 72 screened patients, 36 were randomized to receive either lacosamide (50 mg BD P/O for 1 week, then 100 mg BD P/O for 3 months) or pregabalin (75 mg OD P/O for 3 months). Analgesic efficacy was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and quality of life was evaluated with the SF-36 Questionnaire. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed using the Naranjo Algorithm. SPSS software version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. Of 72 screened patients, 36 were randomized, and 7 dropped out, leaving 15 in the pregabalin group and 14 in the lacosamide group. The mean age was 52 years, and the mean BMI was 24 kg/m