Pregabalin bottle

Unfortunately, even medications that are given to us by medical professionals that are helpful have their own dangers. Prescription drug addiction is a serious problem that can just have as devastating consequences as alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse.

One prescription drug that is becoming more concerning is pregabalin. 823,231 people were prescribed it in 2023/24, a nearly 25% increase since concerns were raised about the drug in 2019.

As pregabalin is used in some cases to treat pain, there is some confusion about whether it is an opioid. If you are worried about pregabalin misuse, you need to know what it is, what the dangers are and how to practice safe use of the drug.

What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a prescription medication that is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and neuropathic pain. It treats epilepsy by helping prevent seizures, so it can be considered an anticonvulsant and is helpful for people with nerve pain due to diabetes, spinal injuries and fibromyalgia. It usually comes in capsules that are swallowed.

Unlike opioids, which attach to opioid receptors to block pain signals and release dopamine, pregabalin affects the central nervous system. It affects pain transmission pathways and other pathways that interrupt the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. It also helps block abnormal electrical activity in the brain to slow the spread of seizures.

All this can produce feelings of euphoria, calm and relaxation.

Is Pregabalin an Opioid?

So, is pregabalin an opioid?

The simple answer – no. Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid, along with a similar drug called gabapentin. The similar names may be the reason they get mixed up by there are differences.

Gabapentin vs Opioids

Gabapentin is similar to pregabalin, but the former is the more generic name for a number of different drugs. It and pregabalin are different from opioids because of their mechanism of action. Gabapentinoids produce their pain-killing effects by affecting GABA levels and blocking the formation of excitatory synapses. It does not bind to opioid receptors like opioids.

If the pain isn’t neuropathic, then gabapentinoids are not used. Opioids are much more powerful and can deal with basically all forms of pain. The strength and wide use make them much more likely to be abused and people develop a drug addiction more quickly than they would pregabalin or gabapentin.

That being said, pregabalin still carries the risk of misuse.

Side Effects of Pregabalin

Most medications have some side effects. Most people don’t experience them but it is important to be aware of them.

Potential side effects of pregabalin include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Swollen limbs
  • Weight gain
  • Memory problems
  • Mood changes

There are more serious side effects that revolve around your mental health. Pregabalin can contribute to suicidal thoughts and may cause hallucinations. It can also cause a loss of consciousness.

Can Pregabalin Be Addictive?

Pregabalin has a lot of uses but it can become addictive. This misuse will occur if pregabalin is taken beyond what is prescribed. Physical and psychological dependence is possible because of the effects it has on people if abused. As the brain is affected, with brain chemical levels changing – people will become used to the feelings of euphoria and calm that pregabalin can cause.

Also, the ingestion of it cannot suddenly be stopped so it is not simple to detox from. This fear can lead people to continue to take pregabalin after they no longer need it.

Pregabalin also enhances the effects of opioids. In turn, alcohol can increase the effects of pregabalin. Combining substances will always make substance misuse and dependence much more likely.

There is justification for the rising concern over pregabalin misuse. In 2019, due to misuse, it was classified as a Class C drug and you must be prescribed it to legally take it. Despite this, in five years up to 2023, 1625 deaths were pregabalin-related. That’s almost four times more than the previous half-decade before that.

Signs of Pregabalin Misuse

If you are concerned about pregabalin misuse then it’s important to know what the signs are. Getting ahead of substance abuse and intervening quickly is important as addiction will only get worse if left untreated.

Physical signs of pregabalin misuse:

  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Coordination issues
  • High fever
  • Dizziness

Psychological signs of pregabalin misuse:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep problems

Behavioural signs of pregabalin misuse:

  • Poor work performance
  • Impulsive and reckless behaviour
  • Can’t stop using despite negative impacts
  • Becoming more secretive about pregabalin use
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Spending more time thinking about and acquiring pregabalin

Safe Use of Pregabalin

Though pregabalin carries the risk of being abused and resulting in addiction, it’s a medication that can help people. To ensure you don’t put yourself at risk of misuse, you should remain vigilant and practice safe use of the drug.

Stick to the Prescribed Dose

Pregabalin misuse occurs when people start taking higher doses or take it more frequently. You should take the drug exactly as you have been told by your doctor. Each prescription comes with a medication guide so you should read this each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information.

If you miss a dose then take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, don’t double up and just take a single dose.

Regular Consultation

Your doctor is there to help you. If you have any questions you should get in contact and report any symptoms you may be experiencing that you are concerned about. Pregabalin can cause serious side effects so consulting your doctor in the first few months is vital to get the right size dose.

Don’t Mix with Other Substances

Pregabalin misuse is more likely if you mix it with other substances as you don’t know how it will interact with them. Alcohol produces the same sedative effects and taking them together can result in respiratory depression and death. Taking pregabalin with opioids will cause the same issues with the added danger that naloxone, a drug that reverses an opioid overdose, is not effective if pregabalin has also been ingested.

Pregabalin Misuse Treatment

Admitting you have a problem and asking for help can be difficult. It’s important to remember though that help is available if you need it.

Suddenly stopping pregabalin can be dangerous. You need to be weaned off the drug but if you are suffering from an addiction, this may be difficult to do alone. In this situation, it would be better to detox with professional help. At Step One Recovery we can assist you through withdrawal, ensuring you are as comfortable and safe as possible.

Our treatments for pregabalin misuse are many. Through a combination of individual and group therapies, you will come to understand your addiction better and learn healthier coping techniques.

Get Help With Pregabalin Misuse Now

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up the question, “Is pregabalin an opioid?”. Even though it isn’t, it’s still a prescription drug that can have serious negative impacts on your life if abused.

If you are worried about your pregabalin misuse, don’t wait to get help. For more information on the Step One experience and how we provide support for people suffering from addiction, get in touch now.

Call Step One Recovery now at 03301072950.