Pregabalin is a medication used to treat certain types of nerve pain, as well as epilepsy and anxiety. It is a medication that works by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters targeted by pregabalin are neurotransmitters involved in sensations of pain, in addition to neurotransmitters that play a role in causing seizures.
Pregabalin is an effective treatment for nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, surgery, or an injury. It is also used off-label to treat fibromyalgia and has been used to help relieve anxiety and panic attacks. Pregabalin can be taken orally or intravenously, depending on why it is prescribed.
Despite its effectiveness, it can also cause dependency, addiction, and put people at greater risk of overdosing on other substances. That’s why it has been more tightly regulated since 2019. In the UK it is now a Class C controlled substance.
Pregabalin can cause several side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, weight gain, tremors, dry mouth, swelling, and vision problems. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, behaviour changes, and thoughts of suicide.
In 2022, a Channel Four documentary raised concerns over the increase in pregabalin prescriptions as the drug, reporting that the drug has been linked to 1 in 10 drug deaths in England
Pregabalin is an effective treatment for certain types of nerve pain and epilepsy, but it also carries some serious risks. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor to determine if this is the best treatment for your situation.
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Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in January 2015 and has been updated since.
