The surge in deaths related to the widely prescribed anxiety medication, pregabalin, has raised significant concerns. In 2018, there were 187 reported deaths associated with pregabalin in England and Wales. However, this number more than doubled in 2022, with a staggering 441 deaths linked to the drug. The recent media coverage has drawn parallels to a “US-style opioid epidemic,” likening pregabalin to a drug that “destroys lives.” Such comparisons may be misleading, considering the substantially higher death toll caused by opioids in the United States.
Pregabalin, known by brand names such as Lyrica and Alzain, is utilized to address various health conditions, including epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety. Approved for use in Europe and the US since 2004, pregabalin possesses rewarding properties that can induce feelings of euphoria, calmness, and relaxation. These effects may attract individuals without prescriptions to seek out the drug. While pregabalin on its own is generally safe, like all medications, it does carry potential side effects, such as confusion and headaches. Moreover, there is a risk of dependence, particularly with prolonged use. The greatest danger associated with pregabalin arises when it is consumed concurrently with substances that interact adversely with it.
Fatalities linked to pregabalin are often the result of interactions with other drugs, leading to respiratory suppression. An analysis of pregabalin-related deaths in England revealed that over 90% of cases involved the presence of other opioids, such as methadone or morphine, despite only a quarter of these opioids being prescribed. This indicates that individuals may acquire these substances through illicit means rather than legitimate sources. It is unclear from available data whether pregabalin was obtained through prescriptions or illicit channels. The rising number of deaths associated with pregabalin parallels the increase in its prescription rate. In the UK alone, there were 8.4 million pregabalin prescriptions in 2022, up from 5.5 million in 2016. This trend suggests a need for enhanced support to minimize patient risks, particularly regarding concurrent use of other drugs.
Both prescribers and patients must be educated about the potential risks linked to pregabalin, including dependency issues and drug interactions. Continuous review of pregabalin prescriptions is also essential to ensure patient well-being and effectiveness of treatment. In cases where pregabalin ceases to be beneficial, alternative treatments, such as psychological therapies for anxiety management, may be more appropriate. However, solely focusing on drug education may not suffice, especially considering that certain individuals are at higher risk of harm from pregabalin use.
Individuals with a history of substance use disorders, who may be prescribed pregabalin for anxiety treatment, are particularly vulnerable to harmful drug interactions. The disjointed communication between mental health and drug treatment services may hinder awareness of concurrent prescriptions, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes. Illicit pregabalin use is on the rise in Europe and North America, posing additional risks due to lack of awareness regarding the dangers of combining pregabalin with other substances. Limited access to support services in deprived areas may exacerbate the risks associated with pregabalin use in these regions.
To address the escalating concerns surrounding pregabalin-associated deaths, it is crucial to understand the underlying reasons for these fatalities. Merely halting pregabalin prescriptions or imposing stringent regulations on illicit use may not be effective solutions. A comprehensive approach that involves identifying and supporting vulnerable populations, enhancing educational initiatives, and fostering interdisciplinary communication between healthcare services is necessary to reduce harm and fatalities stemming from pregabalin use.
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