Sciatica education
Pregabalin for Sciatica: What the 2017 Trial Found
Pregabalin for sciatica did not beat placebo in a 209-person trial published in 2017 (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). Leg pain at week 8 averaged 3.7 on pregabalin and 3.1 on placebo, and side effects were more common with the drug. If you take pregabalin, keep to your prescriber's plan and discuss any change with them.
Written by the SciatiEase label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The study01
What was the pregabalin sciatica trial?
It compared pregabalin with a placebo in 209 people with sciatica, for up to 8 weeks.
The PRECISE trial was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017 (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). Doses started at 150 mg a day and could rise to 600 mg a day.
The placebo arm is what lets researchers tell drug effects from the natural course of sciatica.
The numbers02
Did pregabalin work for sciatica in the trial?
Not better than placebo. Leg pain scores were slightly higher with pregabalin, and the gap was not statistically significant.
| Time point | Pregabalin | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Week 8 | 3.7 | 3.1 |
| Week 52 | 3.4 | 3.0 |
No secondary outcome differed between the groups (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). Adverse events numbered 227 with pregabalin against 124 with placebo, and dizziness was more common.
What it means03
What does the trial mean for you?
It is one study of average results, so it cannot tell you how you personally will respond.
Keep taking prescribed medicine and bring this study to your prescriber if you want to review the plan. NICE cites no overall benefit of gabapentinoids for sciatica (NICE NG59, Low back pain and sciatica).
Our gabapentin post looks at the guideline side.
SciatiEase: from $49.99 a bottle120 capsules · 1, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 180-day guarantee
See packsNext steps04
What else can you ask your clinician?
Ask about exercise, physical therapy and the cause behind your pain.
- Which cause do you suspect: disk, canal or muscle?
- Would a supervised exercise plan suit me?
- What should I watch for that needs urgent care?
See our sciatica relief options.
FAQ05
About the pregabalin sciatica trial
Who ran the PRECISE pregabalin trial?
Mathieson, Maher, McLachlan and colleagues published it in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017 (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). It followed 209 people with sciatica.
How long did the pregabalin sciatica study last?
Treatment ran up to 8 weeks, with follow-up at week 52 (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). Leg pain was not lower with pregabalin at either time point.
What side effects did pregabalin cause in the trial?
Adverse events were more common with pregabalin: 227 against 124 with placebo, and dizziness was more frequent (Mathieson et al., NEJM 2017 (PRECISE)). Ask your prescriber about drowsiness and driving.
Does the trial mean pregabalin never helps nerve pain?
No. It tested sciatica only. NIDDK notes such medicines are prescribed for diabetic nerve pain (NIDDK, Peripheral Neuropathy). Trial averages do not describe every person.
Does SciatiEase contain pregabalin?
No. The Supplement Facts panel lists B vitamins, PEA, R-ALA, acetyl-L-carnitine, benfotiamine and a herbal blend. It has no sciatica trial and is not a drug replacement.
Who wrote this06
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Pages built from the label, the brand pages and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, NICE and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . How we work: editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a licensed SciatiEase retailer, not by the manufacturer, SciatiEase Labs. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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