LONDON’S DEADLY ANTI-ANXIETY DRUG: A TALE OF DEBILITATING SIDE EFFECTS
In a shocking revelation, the anti-anxiety drug pregabalin has been linked to a series of fatalities in the UK, prompting individuals who have taken the drug to speak out about the severe and crippling side effects they have experienced.
One such individual is Jade, who, after experiencing a panic attack, dialed an ambulance for help. The 29-year-old had recently ceased taking pregabalin, a drug prescribed to her for anxiety, and found herself struggling to cope with the aftermath. Two years later, she is still grappling with the process of weaning herself off the drug.
“If I miss a dose I have trouble breathing, depersonalization, panic attacks, extreme body restlessness, feeling as though I am going to pass out,” Jade shared with Euronews Health.
Statistics reveal that more than 8 million people in the UK have been prescribed pregabalin, a staggering number that underscores the widespread use of this medication. However, recent investigations have shed light on the dangers associated with pregabalin, with nearly 3,400 pregabalin-related fatalities reported in Britain over the last five years. In 2022 alone, there were 779 deaths linked to pregabalin, a significant increase from just 9 deaths a decade earlier, according to findings by The Sunday Times.
Commonly known by brand names such as Alzain, Axalid, and Lyrica, pregabalin is an anticonvulsant initially designed for treating epilepsy but is now commonly prescribed for anxiety and nerve pain. While its exact mechanisms are not fully understood, pregabalin is believed to work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brains of epileptics and dampening anxiety-inducing chemicals and nerve pain by blocking specific neurotransmitters, as per the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Despite its intended benefits, some individuals develop an addiction to the euphoric or relaxed state induced by pregabalin, leading to a rapid tolerance buildup and the need for higher doses to achieve the same effects. For others, the side effects can be debilitating, and the withdrawal symptoms may be even more severe, resulting in a dependence that significantly impacts their quality of life.
Sarah*, a 44-year-old social worker in London, experienced extreme withdrawal symptoms after tapering off pregabalin, which she was initially prescribed for fibromyalgia. Caroline, a 55-year-old carer in the UK, reported weight gain, memory issues, and even dental problems as side effects of the drug.
The stories of those affected by pregabalin have prompted the creation of online support spaces like the private Facebook group “Lyrica Survivors (Pregabalin and Gabapentin Support)”, which boasts over 15,000 members. Admin Amy Ireland highlighted the devastating impact of the drug on people’s lives, including loss of life, employment, legal issues, family breakdowns, financial hardships, and permanent disabilities.
As concerns around pregabalin continue to grow, Dr. Mark Horowitz, a psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric drug withdrawal, emphasized the importance of safe and gradual tapering off of gabapentinoids like pregabalin. He stressed that each individual’s withdrawal process may vary, and a hyperbolic tapering approach is crucial to minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
With the rising prescription rates of pregabalin, there is a pressing need for comprehensive support services to aid individuals in breaking free from the grip of this potentially dangerous drug. Dr. Horowitz advocates for a reevaluation of current mental health treatment practices to prioritize long-term well-being and safety.
The Dark Side of Pregabalin: Is the Chemical Magic Bullet Worth the Cost?
In the never-ending quest to find a solution for anxiety, we’ve become too reliant on pharmaceuticals, searching for that elusive chemical magic bullet. But what are the long-term effects of these drugs? Are we sacrificing more than we realize in our pursuit of peace of mind?
According to some experts, the dangers of pregabalin become alarmingly clear when it’s mixed with opiates. Most reported pregabalin-related deaths occur when the drug is combined with other substances, creating a deadly cocktail.
Professor Glyn Lewis, a leading expert in psychiatric epidemiology at University College London, warns that while pregabalin may offer relief for many, the risks must be carefully weighed. Patients should be vigilant in reporting any side effects to their doctors, as the consequences could be severe.
As part of an NHS-funded study, Lewis and his team are investigating the effectiveness of pregabalin in treating anxiety for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. They are also examining the potential withdrawal symptoms that may arise when the medication is discontinued.
Since its approval in 2004, pregabalin, manufactured by Pfizer, has seen a surge in prescriptions across Europe. A recent study revealed that in Sweden, pregabalin was present in nearly a third of fatal intoxications among drug users, raising serious concerns about its widespread use.
Is pregabalin truly the answer to our anxiety woes, or are we underestimating the risks involved? As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the allure of the chemical magic bullet is hard to resist, but at what cost?
