Summary Background Currently, central neuromodulators are among the therapeutic options for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). Pregabalin, a gabapentinoid, is a neuromodulator that could potentially improve visceral hypersensitivity in FD patients. Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for the treatment of FD Methods We performed a randomised placebo‐controlled study including FD patients who did not respond to proton pump inhibitors. Patients were randomly assigned to receive pregabalin (75 mg daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was an adequate relief response rate. The secondary outcomes were improvement in quality of life, pain scores in divided categories, and safety profile. Results Of 72 patients enrolled, 34 received pregabalin and 38 received placebo. The self‐reported adequate relief rates in the pregabalin and placebo groups were 70.6% and 42.1% at week 4 (P = 0.02), and 70.6% and 44.7% at week 8 (P = 0.03), respectively. The reduction in global symptoms in the pregabalin and placebo groups were 11.7 ± 10.6 and 3.7 ± 8.9 points at week 4 (P < 0.01) and 15.1 ± 12.2 and 8.0 ± 10.2 points at week 8 (P = 0.01), respectively. Pregabalin improved the overall quality of life (P = 0.03). The most common adverse event with pregabalin was dizziness, occurring in 51.6% of patients. Conclusions Pregabalin led to significant alleviation of dyspeptic symptoms, especially in patients with predominant epigastric pain . Thaiclinicaltrials.org #TCTR20200404002.

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16612 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16650

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Kotikula et al and Birda et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16588 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16612