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A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pregabalin (Lyrica) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pregabalin (Lyrica) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00977197
Enrollment
85
Registered
2009-09-15
Start date
2010-03-31
Completion date
2015-06-30
Last updated
2016-10-28

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Brief summary

This study is being done to see if Lyrica helps people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Detailed description

Lyrica is the trade name for pregabalin, which was first approved by the FDA in June 2005 and has been available through prescription since fall 2005, and is marketed by Pfizer. Lyrica is known to have clinical efficacy treating pain disorders including irritable bowel syndrome-related conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Interventions

DRUGPregabalin

Dose: 75 mg twice a day for three days, increasing to 150 mg (2 tablets) twice a day for three days, escalating to 225 mg (three tablets) twice a day, through week 12, day 1. Days 2-4 of week 12, participants will begin tapering and will receive 150 mg (two tablets) two times a day and then days 5-7, participants will receive 75 mg two times a day for the duration of the study.

DRUGPlacebo

A matching placebo will be administered twice a day

Sponsors

Pfizer
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
Mayo Clinic
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Established diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) * Experience pain with relief with defecation * 50/100 or greater of pain or discomfort scores during the two-week baseline period * At least three pain attacks in a month, with at least three episodes of pain intensity equal to or exceeding 50/100 * U.S. resident * English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires) * Able to participate in all aspects of the study

Exclusion criteria

* Known alternative/concurrent gastrointestinal diagnosis (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, active celiac sprue, chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency, scleroderma, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, bacterial overgrowth, recent (\<6 months) intestinal bacterial/protozoal/ parasitic infections, HIV, active pelvic floor dysfunction, paraplegia or quadriplegia); * Current symptoms of severe depression, as measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (greater or less than 15); * Mental retardation or any condition requiring a legal guardian; * Current or past history of psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) * Recent or current use (within past 30 days) of drugs that interact with Pregabalin: * Rosiglitazone (Avandia) or Pioglitazone (Actos) * Narcotic anti-pain medications (e.g. oxycodone, morphine) * Anti-anxiety medications (e.g. lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam) * Unable to withdraw medications at least 72 hours prior to the study, because we will evaluate patient's response to pregabalin therapy for relief of IBS-associated pain and disturbed sleep. 1. Non-narcotic anti-pain medications (e.g. nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAIDs), ultram, neurontin, etc.) 2. Mexiletine, steroids, dextromethorphan. 3. Insomnia medications (e.g. benzodiazepines, zolpidem, diphenhydramine, melatonin, etc.) * Planned surgery (especially transplant) or anesthesia exposure during trial * Are pregnant, lactating, likely to become pregnant during medication phase and not willing to use a reliable form of contraception (barrier contraceptives, diaphragm, injections, intrauterine device, surgical sterilization, or abstinence) * Recent or current use (within 30 days) of Pregabalin * Known allergy to Pregabalin * Significant acute or chronic progressive neurologic, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic disease * Recent history of alcohol or substance dependence use or abuse * Another household member or relative participating in the study * Professional drivers or operators of heavy machinery * Major cardiovascular events in the last 6 months * Use of IBS-specific drugs such as tegaserod (Zelnorm) and Lotronex (Alosetron) (within 30 days) * Participation in another clinical trial (within 30 days)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Mean Pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)weeks 9-12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Mean Constipation BSS Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)Weeks 9-12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Diarrhea BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)Weeks 9-12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Bloating BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)Weeks 9-12)The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Number of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of TherapyWeeks 9-12One of the weekly questions asked of subjects was, Did you have adequate relief of your IBS symptoms over the last week? Possible answers were Yes or No.
Mean Pain BSS Score at Week 12Week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Overall Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms BSS Score Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)weeks 9-12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Constipation BSS Score at Week 12Week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Diarrhea BSS Score at Week 12Week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Bloating BSS Score at Week 12Week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Number of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS Scorebaseline, week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.
Mean Overall Severity BSS Score at Week 12Week 12The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Pregabalin
Subjects randomized to this arm will receive the following dosage: 75 mg (one tablet) twice a day for three days, increasing to 150 mg (2 tablets) twice a day for three days, escalating to 225 mg (three tablets) twice a day, through week 12, day 1. Days 2-4 of week 12, participants will begin tapering and will receive 150 mg (two tablets) two times a day and then days 5-7, participants will receive 75 mg two times a day for the duration of the study.
41
Placebo
Subjects randomized to this arm will receive placebo matching the study drug.
44
Total85

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdverse Event31
Overall StudyLack of Efficacy10
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up13
Overall StudyNonadherence11
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject34

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPregabalinPlaceboTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
1 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
2 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
38 Participants40 Participants78 Participants
Number of Subjects with Fibromyalgia at Baseline
Fibromyalgia - No
31 participants37 participants68 participants
Number of Subjects with Fibromyalgia at Baseline
Fibromyalgia - Yes
10 participants7 participants17 participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
41 participants44 participants85 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
36 Participants37 Participants73 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
5 Participants7 Participants12 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
28 / 4124 / 44
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 410 / 44

Outcome results

Primary

Mean Pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: weeks 9-12

Population: Intent to treat analysis

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)25.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 16
PlaceboMean Pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)42.0 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 26.6
p-value: 0.008ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Bloating BSS Score at Week 12

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Week 12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Bloating BSS Score at Week 1226.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.4
PlaceboMean Bloating BSS Score at Week 1245.0 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 32
p-value: 0.016ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Bloating BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Weeks 9-12)

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Bloating BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)29.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 23.3
PlaceboMean Bloating BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)43.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 29
p-value: 0.044ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Constipation BSS Score at Week 12

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Week 12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Constipation BSS Score at Week 1226.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.4
PlaceboMean Constipation BSS Score at Week 1223.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 26.7
p-value: 0.417ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Constipation BSS Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Weeks 9-12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Constipation BSS Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)25.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 26.8
PlaceboMean Constipation BSS Score Over Last 4 Weeks of Study (Weeks 9-12)22.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.8
p-value: 0.389ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Diarrhea BSS Score at Week 12

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Week 12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Diarrhea BSS Score at Week 1215.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.8
PlaceboMean Diarrhea BSS Score at Week 1234.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 29.7
p-value: 0.03ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Diarrhea BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Weeks 9-12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Diarrhea BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)16.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.4
PlaceboMean Diarrhea BSS Score Over the Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)31.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 25.8
p-value: 0.049ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Overall Severity BSS Score at Week 12

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Week 12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Overall Severity BSS Score at Week 1228.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.2
PlaceboMean Overall Severity BSS Score at Week 1244.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 28.8
p-value: 0.024ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Overall Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms BSS Score Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: weeks 9-12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Overall Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms BSS Score Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)26.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.2
PlaceboMean Overall Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms BSS Score Last 4 Weeks of the Study (Weeks 9-12)42.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 25.7
p-value: 0.009ANCOVA
Secondary

Mean Pain BSS Score at Week 12

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: Week 12

Population: The analysis population is different than the participant flow because some subjects didn't return for a follow-up visit, or didn't complete the questionnaire.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PregabalinMean Pain BSS Score at Week 1226.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.8
PlaceboMean Pain BSS Score at Week 1243.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 30
p-value: 0.02ANCOVA
Secondary

Number of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of Therapy

One of the weekly questions asked of subjects was, Did you have adequate relief of your IBS symptoms over the last week? Possible answers were Yes or No.

Time frame: Weeks 9-12

Population: Intent to treat analysis

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PregabalinNumber of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of TherapyAdequate Relief (Yes)19 participants
PregabalinNumber of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of TherapyInadequate Relief (No)22 participants
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of TherapyInadequate Relief (No)28 participants
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Adequate Relief of IBS Symptoms at Least 50% of the Last 4 Weeks of TherapyAdequate Relief (Yes)16 participants
p-value: 0.35Chi-squared
Secondary

Number of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS Score

The Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) consists of 5 questions, each with a 100 mm long Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The questions are regarding pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and overall severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The VAS does not have any pre-set marks between the extremes of 0 for not present and 100 mm for very severe symptoms. The investigator measures the mark made by the participant in mm and records this for the value.

Time frame: baseline, week 12

Population: Intent to Treat analysis

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PregabalinNumber of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS ScoreYes, >= 30 point change26 participants
PregabalinNumber of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS ScoreNo, >= 30 point change15 participants
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS ScoreYes, >= 30 point change20 participants
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Greater Than or Equal to a 30 Point Change in Pain BSS ScoreNo, >= 30 point change24 participants
p-value: 0.097Chi-squared

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026