Combination therapy with pregabalin and thioctic acid offers safer pain control in diabetic neuropathy: a multicenter, double-blind, non-inferiority trial

Brain Communications 2026 Open access

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Authors: Edith Zárate, Lidia Viridiana Velásquez-Reyes, Juan Carlos Espindola-Reyes, Cecilia Bravo-Lamicq, Diego Antonio Ocampo-Gutiérrez de Velasco, Óscar Arias-Carrión
DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcag058
Cited by: 1
References: 27

Abstract

Abstract High-dose pregabalin is effective for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but dose-dependent adverse effects limit its use. Thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid), a mitochondrial antioxidant with neuromodulatory properties, may improve tolerability without reducing efficacy when combined with lower doses of pregabalin. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial at nine centers in Mexico between November 2017 and March 2020. Adults with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy underwent pregabalin titration. Non-responders, defined as patients with

Fields of Study & Subjects

Biochemical Acid Research Studies Pain Mechanisms and Treatments Neurological Disorders and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Brain Communications
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
8
Issue
2
Pages
fcag058–fcag058
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN