LYRICA (PREGABALIN) ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE: SYMPTOMS, SIDE EFFECTS, AND TREATMENT

What is Lyrica?

Pregabalin, sold under the brand name Lyrica – or Lyrica Controlled Release (Lyrica CR), is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain from nerve damage due to diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) or other forms of spinal cord injury. The drug is also used to treat fibromyalgia and other muscle pain, as well as partial onset seizures and restless leg syndrome. Lyrica is part of a class of drugs called antiepileptic drugs and comes in capsule format.

Lyrica works to calm overactive nerves in the body by reducing the extra electrical signals that are sent out by the damaged nerves in the body.

In 2004, Lyrica was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), originally only meant to treat fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain conditions, and to control seizures. Since 2013, Lyrica has become one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States due to the reported reduction in symptoms of anxiety, bipolar disorder, restless leg syndrome, and chronic coughing.

The high from Lyrica abuse represents much like being drunk, hence the drug's nickname “Budweiser”, after the iconic German beer. People have often described the effects as similar to those of valium or other muscle relaxants.

Risks associated with Lyrica

Lyrica can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects of Lyrica include:

• Dizziness and drowsiness

• Weight gain

• Dry mouth

• Blurred vision

• Peripheral swelling

• Mood changes, including new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts

• Experiencing and/or acting on dangerous impulses

• Loss of sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

Other, less common side effects include fatigue, euphoria, twitching muscles, sore throat, loss of coordination and balance, lack of energy or a feeling of weakness, inability to focus and make decisions, distorted thinking, vertigo, temporary memory loss, nausea, vomiting, speech problems, panic attacks, and breathing problems.

Individuals taking this medication should consult their medical practitioners before making any changes to its intake. Tell your doctor about possible alcohol intake, dietary supplements, or other medicines.

When taken in prescribed doses under the guidance of a medical doctor, Lyrica is an effective medication for certain pain conditions. Despite being classified as a controlled schedule V drug (having lower potential for abuse), Lyrica is increasingly misused as a recreational drug in some parts of the world.

What is Lyrica addiction?

Drug misuse is distinct from regular use in that patients do not follow the prescription specific to their condition, and instead use the drug in a different way from the way it is intended to be used. Prescription drug abuse is an international issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 35 million people worldwide are affected by drug abuse or drug use disorder.

An article in the Saudi Gazette described Lyrica abuse as “increasingly common among students”. They claim that students are taking the drug to reduce their anxieties and improve concentration and memory. As a result of its prevalent recreational use, pregabalin is strictly limited to hospital use and pharmacies in KSA.

Signs to look out for in Lyrica addiction

Lyrica, like any controlled substance, has the potential to become addictive and is one of many prescription drugs that are misused. Drug addiction occurs when an individual becomes physically and psychologically dependent on a drug, feeling a compulsive need to use it despite its negative consequences.

Seeing a loved one struggle with prescription medication abuse is difficult. It’s important to know what to watch out for in order to intervene as soon as possible before an addiction gets out of control.

Above all else, Lyrica should be taken in accordance with the prescription given to you by your health care provider. Do not start or stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. To avoid adverse symptoms and side effects, a doctor may reduce your dose gradually rather than encouraging stopping abruptly.

While the medication can be helpful, it can also be addictive. Individuals may be at increased risk for addiction if they have a pre-existing substance use disorder. To lower the risk of addiction, individuals taking this medicine should adhere to the prescription provided by their doctor.

Symptoms of Lyrica addiction and dependence:

• Cravings: Feeling a strong desire to use Lyrica, even when it’s not needed.

• Tolerance: Needing to take higher doses of the drug in order to achieve the same effect.

• Withdrawal: Experiencing symptoms such as nausea, sweating, tremors, and anxiety when stopping intake.

• Continued use despite negative consequences: Using Lyrica even when it causes problems in a person’s life (i.e., financial difficulties, relationship problems, health issues).

Who is at risk for addiction to Lyrica

Some people take Lyrica for their prescribed course and have no problem stopping. Others however, are more likely to become addicted. People who are at a higher risk for Lyrica addiction include but are not limited to:

• People with a family history of addiction and substance abuse

• People who are exposed to high doses of the drug

• Older adults

• Individuals with underlying mental illness

Lyrica withdrawal symptoms

Lyrica addiction can evolve quickly into long-term use and dependence, making the withdrawal period even more difficult.

Extended use of Lyrica may cause withdrawal symptoms when an individual decides to stop using or reduce the dosage. The term withdrawal symptoms refer to physical and psychological changes that a person experiences in response to the drug being eliminated from their system. Addicted users experienced unusual changes of mood, deception surrounding dosage amounts, and paranoia. Changes in mood and behaviour can manifest as increased irritability, aggression, dangerous impulses, and more. Withdrawal experiences are, however, not the same for everyone; user's age, gender, pre-existing medical conditions, and use of other medications might all affect an individual’s experience of withdrawal.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Profuse sweating

• Confusion

• Agitation

• Insomnia

• Irregular heartbeat

• Diarrhoea

• Mood changes

• Headaches

• Anxiety

• New or worsening depression

• Suicidal thoughts

Healing and recovery

Addicts who are supported by family members in their recovery tend to keep higher morale. Feeling encouraged to change their lives positively and without judgement is a key aspect of many former addicts' successful recoveries. If someone you know is struggling with Lyrica abuse, helping them to establish a support system is an excellent first step.

How to treat Lyrica addiction

• Detoxing the Body: Ridding the body of the medicine is a key step to treating addiction. A medically assisted withdrawal protocol can be of benefit in avoiding harsher withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, formal addiction treatment is important.

• Behaviour therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy can help individuals identify and change negative behaviours and patterns related to drug use. Therapies such as motivational interviewing can help overcome ambivalence and resistance to change. Other behavioural approaches like relaxation training, stimulus control, and contingency contracting can also be implemented.

• Residential programmes: These can be either in- or outpatient programmes, involving continuous support throughout the detox and recovery processes.

• Periodic follow-up: Follow-ups and aftercare are essential for maintaining long-term recovery and for mitigating the risk of relapse.

Get Treatment for Lyrica Addiction at The Kusnacht Practice

Taking a step-by-step approach to recovery from Lyrica addiction is vital to success. It can be dangerous to quit cold turkey with medications like Lyrica as the withdrawal effects can be so strong. Decreasing the medication dose gradually with a combination of psychotherapeutic treatment can be adopted as part of the treatment plan. Seek treatment if you yourself are experiencing trouble with Lyrica addiction. The Kusnacht Practice has a team of experienced medical professionals to help with all things related to the healing and well-being of every patient in their care, including setting a realistic plan for recovery.

A custom approach to healing

No two people are the same, and all therapies and treatments at The Kusnacht Practice are rooted in individualised programmes. Your recovery from Lyrica addiction begins with a bespoke treatment for prescription medication that is suited to the patient’s needs and health requirements. Healing is not an overnight solution but takes time and consistency. The comprehensive 360-degree mind-body approach to healing at The Kusnacht Practice helps achieve holistic healing and reduces the risk of falling back into old bad habits. Treatment takes place on a molecular level helping to restore the balance in your physical, mental, and emotional self.

Get in touch and we will be more than happy to book your consultation with our world-class specialist medical and wellness teams and get you on the road to recovery.