Widely Prescribed Painkiller Linked to 48% Higher Heart Failure Risk

According to a study conducted in 2025, the anti-seizure drug pregabalin, commonly used to treat chronic nerve pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from 246,237 Medicare patients aged 65 to 89 over a four-year period, found that those taking pregabalin had a 48% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to those not taking the drug.

The risk was even more alarming for individuals with a history of heart disease. In these patients, the use of pregabalin raised the risk of heart failure by a staggering 85% compared to those prescribed gabapentin, a similar drug used to manage chronic pain. Researchers are now urging clinicians to carefully consider the cardiovascular risks before prescribing pregabalin, especially for older or vulnerable patients.

Chronic pain affects up to 30% of adults over the age of 65, and pregabalin is widely used to manage this condition. However, the study's findings suggest that the potential benefits of the drug may be outweighed by the significant risk of heart failure, particularly in those with pre-existing heart conditions. Experts are calling for a more cautious approach to the use of pregabalin and a thorough evaluation of a patient's cardiac health before prescribing the medication.