💊 “Just for Nerve Pain, Doctor…” — But There’s More Than Meets the Eye

Pregabalin (Lyrica, Nervigesic, Pregaba) and Gabapentin (Gabapin, Neurontin) were developed to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. But over the last decade, these so-called “safe” drugs have quietly become agents of misuse—especially in Chennai’s pharmacies, clinics, and informal settings.

Originally thought to have low addiction potential, these drugs are now being misused across:

• Pain clinics

• Online pharmacies

• Psychiatric prescriptions with poor follow-up

• Urban communities, even by patients without a history of substance use

⚠️ Why Are These Drugs Misused?

Both pregabalin and gabapentin affect calcium channels in the brain, reducing excitability and creating a sensation of calm, sedation, or even mild euphoria in high doses.

Common reasons people misuse them:

• To self-medicate anxiety or insomnia

• As a “legal high” when access to opioids or benzodiazepines is restricted

• To potentiate the effects of alcohol, opioids, or tramadol

• Believing they are “non-addictive” or “safe” pain relievers

• After developing tolerance to sleeping pills or antidepressants

🔍 Signs of Pregabalin/Gabapentin Misuse

• Taking higher-than-prescribed doses

• Using without prescription—often bought from multiple pharmacies

• Daytime sedation or emotional blunting

• Memory lapses and poor coordination

• Social withdrawal, irritability, or mood swings

• Combining with other sedatives, opioids, or alcohol

• Strong cravings, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop

😱 What Makes This Dangerous?

1. Psychological Dependence

People begin using it for pain or sleep—and later feel they can’t “function” without it.

2. Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping suddenly can lead to:

• Anxiety, restlessness, sweating

• Insomnia and mood crashes

• Flu-like symptoms

• In severe cases, seizures or rebound pain

3. Neuropsychiatric Effects

Chronic high-dose use can cause:

• Emotional blunting or apathy

• Depersonalization (feeling detached from self)

• Aggression or impulsivity

• In vulnerable individuals: psychosis-like symptoms

4. Risk of Overdose and Death

Especially when combined with:

• Alcohol

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Clonazepam)

• Opioids (e.g., Tapentadol, Tramadol)

Pregabalin is now a Schedule H1 drug in India, but enforcement remains weak.

🏥 How We Manage Pregabalin and Gabapentin Abuse

At Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram, we provide structured, AIIMS/NDDTC-informed care for individuals struggling with prescription medication misuse.

Our protocol includes:

✅ Detailed assessment – dose, duration, co-use, emotional triggers
✅ Gradual tapering plan – safe, supervised, and stepwise
✅ Substitute medications – for pain or anxiety as needed
✅ CBT for emotional coping and medication-free functioning
✅ Sleep recovery therapy and stress management
✅ Family education and relapse prevention tools

“We help you move from medication dependence to mental clarity.”

👨‍⚕️ Who Should Seek Help?

• Anyone using Pregabalin or Gabapentin for more than 4–6 weeks

• Those taking high doses or multiple tablets per day

• People combining these drugs with alcohol or sedatives

• Individuals feeling foggy, dull, or emotionally flat

• Patients whose “nerve pain” or sleep hasn’t improved but the pills continue

📞 Break Free from Prescription Pill Dependence

It may have started as pain relief. But if it’s now controlling your mood, sleep, or energy—it’s time to get help.

📍 Apollo Clinic – Velachery & Tambaram
📱 8595155808
🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com

“Freedom from pain shouldn’t come at the cost of freedom from yourself.”

✍️ About the Author

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist | Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram
Trained at AIIMS & NDDTC, Ghaziabad – India’s Apex Centre for Addiction Psychiatry

Dr. Srinivas brings unmatched expertise in managing complex cases of prescription drug dependence, having worked with patients from all over India during his residency at NDDTC. His structured, step-by-step approach helps patients regain control of their life—without fear, guilt, or confusion.