Pregabalin as a drug: effects, risks, side effects and help with addiction

Pregabalin, known under the brand name Lyrica, is a drug used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and generalized anxiety disorder. In recent years, however, abuse of the drug has increased. Pregabalin is consumed in high doses to achieve an intoxicating effect, which can lead to significant health risks. In this article, we look at why pregabalin is increasingly being abused as a drug, how it works and the dangers associated with it. We also take a look at testimonials and offer advice on how to get help with addiction.

What is pregabalin (Lyrica) and why is it being abused as a drug?

Pregabalin was originally developed to help people with neurological conditions. It acts on the central nervous system and influences the release of certain neurotransmitters, which leads to a dampening of overactive nerve cells. Due to this calming effect, it is used for neuropathic pain, epilepsy and generalized anxiety disorder. However, it has been found that pregabalin can also have an intoxicating effect in high doses.

The abuse of pregabalin has various causes. On the one hand, the relaxing and sedative effect creates a state that is perceived as pleasant by many. Secondly, pregabalin is relatively easy to obtain compared to other narcotics, as it is often prescribed for various ailments. Many people who initially receive it for medical reasons later take it in higher doses to increase the feeling of relaxation and euphoria. This abuse often leads unnoticed to addiction, as the drug is mistakenly considered safer than illegal drugs.

The effect of pregabalin as a drug

Pregabalin works in the brain by regulating the release of certain neurotransmitters. In therapeutic doses, this change in the nervous system can help to relieve nerve pain and reduce anxiety. However, when abused, pregabalin has a different, more dangerous effect. Taking higher doses leads to a state of intoxication characterized by intense relaxation and euphoria. Typical effects of pregabalin abuse include

• Euphoria: A feeling of elation that is often compared to other intoxicants.
• Sedation: Strong relaxation that can lead to drowsiness.
• Drowsiness: A "absorbent cotton feeling" in the head that makes it difficult to think clearly.
• Dizziness: A feeling of instability and unsteadiness when walking or standing.

This condition is often described as pleasant and is the reason why many people abuse pregabalin as a drug. The effects last for several hours, depending on the dosage and individual tolerance, which makes consumption all the more tempting. However, this "kick" can quickly become dangerous as the body develops a tolerance. Affected individuals then have to take higher and higher quantities to achieve the same effect, which increases the risk of overdose.

Side effects and risks of pregabalin abuse

Pregabalin can have numerous side effects, which are exacerbated by excessive consumption. Short-term abuse often results in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. These can significantly impair everyday life and lead to a dangerous impairment of the ability to react. The risk of accidents, especially in road traffic or at work, increases considerably.

In the long term, the abuse of pregabalin carries even more serious risks. Physical and psychological dependence can develop unnoticed. Over time, the body becomes more resistant to the effects of the drug, which leads to those affected taking ever higher doses. If the drug is suddenly discontinued, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur, ranging from sleep disorders to nervousness and intense inner restlessness. In extreme cases, an overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions such as respiratory arrest or coma. Supposedly "harmless" consumption can therefore have serious health consequences.

Is pregabalin a drug?

Whether pregabalin is classified as a drug depends largely on how it is used. In principle, pregabalin is a prescription drug that is approved for medical use. In its therapeutic use, it helps patients with neuropathic pain, epilepsy or anxiety disorders by dampening the excitability of nerve cells. However, the definition shifts as soon as the drug is no longer taken as prescribed by a doctor.

As soon as pregabalin is consumed in higher doses to achieve a state of intoxication and this consumption becomes a habit, it is drug abuse. Many doctors and addiction researchers are now warning of the increasing number of people who abuse pregabalin as an addictive substance. Despite its legal status, it shows similar addiction and dependency patterns to other drugs when abused. Particularly risky is the fact that pregabalin is often taken in combination with other substances such as alcohol or tranquilizers, which can intensify the effect and significantly increase the risk of serious side effects.

Dosage and abuse - when does pregabalin become dangerous?

In medical practice, pregabalin is administered in controlled doses. For neuropathic pain, it is usually started with low doses (around 75 to 150 mg daily) and gradually increased depending on the patient's needs and tolerance. In cases of abuse, however, the dosage is often increased arbitrarily in order to achieve the desired high.

There is no safe limit for the abuse of pregabalin. As soon as the drug is taken without medical supervision and in an unprescribed dose, there is a considerable health risk. Overdoses can lead to severe side effects, including severe drowsiness, confusion, seizures and even coma. In addition, the body quickly develops a tolerance to pregabalin. This means that higher and higher doses must be taken to achieve the same effect, further increasing the risk of a dangerous overdose.

Experiences of those affected - pregabalin as a drug

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports from people who have abused pregabalin. Many describe the onset as gradual: they initially started taking the drug for medical reasons, but soon noticed the pleasant, relaxing effect. Some deliberately looked for a way to reduce everyday stress or combat sleep problems and increased the dose on their own initiative.

For many of those affected, it was initially a seemingly harmless method of finding a little peace and quiet. But over time, an addiction developed. One user reported: "In the beginning, it helped me to relax. But at some point I needed more and more to feel good at all." Others describe the withdrawal symptoms as extremely unpleasant and comparable to those of hard drugs. The reports make it clear that, despite its medicinal origin, pregabalin has a considerable potential for abuse and addiction.

Help and treatment for pregabalin addiction

Anyone who suspects that they are addicted to pregabalin should definitely seek professional help. The first step may be to talk to your family doctor or an addiction counselor to assess the situation and develop a plan. Treatment for addiction can take various forms and is often adapted to the individual needs of the person concerned. In most cases, a combination of medical support and therapeutic support is the most effective way. Withdrawal should always be carried out under medical supervision due to the severe withdrawal symptoms.

Possible therapeutic approaches:

Withdrawal from pregabalin is not an easy process, but it can be done. It is important not to struggle through this difficult time alone. Professional support and the use of available therapy services can make the path out of addiction easier and enable long-term recovery.

Conclusion

Pregabalin is a drug with a high potential for abuse. Although it is prescribed to treat various neurological and psychological complaints, it can quickly lead to addiction and serious health problems if used incorrectly. The relaxing and euphoric effects that occur when abused make it an attractive intoxicant for many. However, the risks are considerable, especially when taken in high doses or in combination with other substances. Anyone who uses pregabalin without medical supervision or suspects that they are addicted should urgently seek professional support. The consequences of addiction are serious, but with the right help it is possible to quit.