Deaths linked to the anxiety drug, **pregabalin**, have more than doubled in England and Wales from 187 in 2018 to 441 in 2022. This drug, also known by brand names Lyrica and Alzain, treats epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety. It produces feelings of euphoria, calmness, relaxation, and can create a **dependence** if taken for extended periods. While typically not dangerous on its own, combining it with other **substances** can lead to negative interactions and even fatalities. The majority of pregabalin-related deaths involved other opioids, often not prescribed to the same individuals, indicating possible illicit drug use.
The recent surge in pregabalin deaths coincides with an increased number of prescriptions. There were 8.4 million people prescribed pregabalin in the UK in 2022, a rise from 5.5 million in 2016. To curb this trend, more resources should be devoted to patient education, particularly about potential drug interactions and the risk of dependency.
Substance use disorder sufferers are particularly vulnerable to pregabalin dangers due to co-existing mental health issues. Moreover, there’s growing concern about the misuse of pregabalin in the illegal market, creating a higher risk for harm. Also, studies show more prescriptions in northern England, an area with more social deprivation, suggesting an **inequitable** access to proper support.
The increasing number of deaths related to pregabalin must spur crucial conversations about the reasons for **concomitant** drug use. Since pregabalin is an effective medication for many, banning it may not be the best solution. A **comprehensive** approach, considering the context and reasons behind the misuse, is essential.
**Vocab Corner:**
1. **Pregabalin**: a medication used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety.
2. **Dependence**: a condition where a person needs a particular substance to function normally.
3. **Substances**: materials, often related to medication or drugs, with a particular kind of quality.
4. **Inequitable**: unfair; not providing equal opportunities or advantages for everyone.
5. **Concomitant**: occurring or existing simultaneously with something else, usually in a way that is connected.
6. **Comprehensive**: including all or nearly all aspects or elements of something.
Vocabulary List:
- Pregabalin (noun): a medication used to treat epilepsynerve painand anxiety
- Dependence (noun): a condition where a person needs a particular substance to function normally
- Substances (noun): materialsoften related to medication or drugswith a particular kind of quality
- Inequitable (adjective): unfair not providing equal opportunities or advantages for everyone
- Concomitant (adjective): occurring or existing simultaneously with something elseusually in a way that is connected
- Comprehensive (adjective): including all or nearly all aspects or elements of something
