Pregabalin, available under the brand name Nervigesic Lyrica, among others, is a prescription medicine belonging to a class of drugs called gabapentinoids. Initially, it was developed as an anticonvulsant, but its therapeutic applications have since expanded. Pregabalin is commonly used to manage neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, control seizures, and treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Despite its therapeutic benefits, this medication has been increasingly linked to misuse and addiction, raising concerns among healthcare providers.

Given the growing concerns about Pregabalin addiction, it is important to understand the risks linked with its misuse and addiction. This blog explores the addiction potential of Pregabalin, providing readers with valuable insights to stay informed.

Is Lyrica Addictive?

Pregabalin is not considered a very highly addictive medication because it is a Schedule V controlled substance. Schedule V substances are those drugs that have a lower potential for abuse and a lower potential for physical or psychological dependence. Even though Pregabalin has a lower risk of addiction, it has some risk that users abuse this drug because it is on the schedule list [1].

According to a study, Pregabalin at doses like 60 mg and 90 mg may induce addiction.

What Makes Pregabalin Addictive?

The addictive potential of Nervigesic comes from its effect on the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. Pregabalin binds to certain calcium channels in the CNS, leading to an increased release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. This increased activity of GABA produces a calming effect and can help reduce anxiety symptoms and pain.

Pregabalin can induce feelings of sedation, euphoria, and relaxation, which may be appealing to people seeking to combat stress or experience pleasurable effects. Some people also use Pregabalin recreationally to enhance the effects of other substances, which can lead to addiction.

In addition, excessive use of Pregabalin can lead to tolerance, where a higher amount of the drug is required to get the same effects. Tolerance can make individuals increase their dosage, escalating the risk of dependence and Pregabalin addiction.

It is important to note that individual susceptibility to Pregabalin addiction can differ, and not everyone who uses this medication will develop an addiction [2]. Pregabalin, in general, is a very effective medication if taken as prescribed by a doctor. Get in-depth knowledge about Pregabalin and its uses by visiting our category page, Pregabalin Capsules.

Signs And Symptoms Of Pregabalin Addiction

Some of the signs and symptoms of Pregabalin addiction you should be aware of include [3]-

• Obsessing over finding more Pregabalin
• Irritability and agitation
• Financial difficulty
• Stealing money to fund your addiction
• Impulsive thoughts leading to risky behavior
• Preferring to be alone
• Inability to stop taking Pregabalin despite the negative effects
• Lying about medical symptoms to get more Pregabalin.

Physical symptoms of Pregabalin addiction may occur later on, but the most noticeable ones include – difficulty speaking, panic attacks, anxiety, impaired memory and judgment, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, depression, and heart palpitations.

Treatment Options For Pregabalin Addiction

Some of the effective treatment options for Pregabalin addiction include the following [4]-

Counseling and therapy –

Therapies like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) are effective for Pregabalin addiction as they address distorted thought patterns and behaviors linked with addiction, promoting good coping mechanisms.

Dual diagnosis treatment –

For people with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, dual diagnosis treatment helps both addiction and mental health issues. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of a person’s needs and supports overall well-being.

Aftercare and relapse prevention –

Creating a personalized aftercare plan ensures support after treatment. Ongoing therapy, participation in support groups, and access to relapse prevention tools help to long-term recovery success, helping people navigate challenges beyond the initial treatment stage.

Conclusion

Understanding the addiction potential of Pregabalin is a step towards safer use of the medication. With proper monitoring, awareness, and communication with healthcare providers, the therapeutic benefits of Pregabalin can be maximized while minimizing its risk.