Pregabalin (PGB) recreative use leads to dependence and acute poisoning with mortality risk. It represents a growing trend in worldwide, especially in developing countries. In Algeria, there is a lack of data in on PGB misuse and abuse. Thus, the present study aimed to determine its local epidemiological characteristics.

The present observational retrospective study was conducted in the region of Ouargla. Descriptive statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using R software.

During the seven last years (2017–2023), 152 cases of PGB misuse and poisoning were recorded, representing 10.8% of acute poisoning cases. A significant increase in the incidence of PGB poisoning cases has been observed, ranging from 0.8% in 2017, to 15.5% and 21.5% in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Patients mean age was 24±8-year-olds, and 90.8% were male. Urine analysis remained positive for only PGB in 35.5% of cases, and PGB combined with other psychoactive substances (64.5%) including cannabis (50.7%), benzodiazepines (23.7%), methylenedioxy methamphetamines (15.1%), amphetamines (12.5%), tramadol (4.6%), cocaine (3.9%), opioids (2.6%), tricyclic antidepressants (2%), barbiturates (2%), buprenorphine (1.3%), and alcohol (1.3%). Recorded patients presented various neurological signs including: disorders of consciousness (46.7%), drowsiness (30.9%), psychomotor agitation (11.2%), coma (3.9%), miosis (3.9%), anxiety (3.9%), convulsions (3.3%), and obnubilation (2.6%). The evolution was favourable in 96.7% of the cases. The lethality rate was calculated as 3.3%.

PGB misuse and abuse's incidence has increased in the last two years in the region of Ouargla, and is becoming a public health issue. Awareness campaigns are highly recommended.