![“poor man’s drug”, effects, what is it? “poor man’s drug”, effects, what is it?](https://img-3.journaldesfemmes.fr/AZzvICGaZnZYRv2G8qfMZjBWExY=/1500x/smart/f9ed42eef7fe4d949271c49b25fb705d/ccmcms-jdf/39973554.jpg)
Pregabalin is the active substance in the drug Lyrica®. Its use is misused in France, it is therefore called the “poor man’s drug”.
The misuse of pregabalin is increasing in France to such an extent that the medicines agency has decided to impose its delivery only on secure prescription in May 2021. Active substance of the drug Lyrica®, it is considered the new “poor man’s drug” because of its ridiculous price (2 euros per tablet) and its effects. Sold illegally undercover, “This medicine exposes people to a real danger of death. The dosage is 25mg, here people use it at 300mg so it’s a high dose” informed Dr Saïd Ouichou on Franceinfo in April 2023.
What is pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a medication that replaces a natural neurotransmitter: GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid). GABA calms the nervous system. “As a GABA analogue, pregabalin helps compensate for abnormal excitation that may be linked to a pathology” explains Nathalie Le Guyader, chief pharmacist at the Diaconnesses Croix-Saint-Simon hospital group. Initially, pregabalin was developed to be used against epilepsy. Then it was used for neuropathic pain. Example better known is that of patients who have shingles and have pain in the area where the blisters appear, such as burns, electric shocks, etc. On these painful nerve areas, analgesics such as paracetamol, analgesics such as tramadol and even opioids are not necessarily effective.
Effects: why is she taking drugs?
The misuse is essentially aimed at getting high/euphoria.
“The misuse is essentially aimed at getting high/euphoria in a context of polyconsumption of psychoactive substances, but also for anxiolytic, analgesic or hypnotic purposes” explains the ANSM. In more than half of cases, pregabalin is combined with another substance, mainly a benzodiazepine (65%), in particular clonazepam (marketed under the brand Rivotril®).
What are the dangers of pregabalin?
The main complications linked to the misuse of pregabalin are coma, disturbances of consciousness, disorientation, confusion. Pregabalin could also reduce the tolerance threshold to opioids, which would lead to an increased risk of respiratory depression and opioid-related death.
What are the side effects of pregabalin?
- Stun
- Drowsiness
- Behavioral or feeling disorders
- Confusional state
- Addiction
“We can feel euphoric or confused, have neurological disorders (tremors, disordered gestures, etc.)” adds Nathalie Le Guyader. Other side effects may occur such as dry mouth, diarrhea, loss of taste, vision problems.
Does pregabalin make you gain weight?
Pregabalin can actually make you gain weight. “It is possible but be careful: it is not the medication that makes you gain weight but the fact that it increases the appetite of the patient who begins to eat more“, specifies the pharmacist.
Does pregabalin make you sleep?
Pregabalin may make patients drowsy when administered it. It is very common (more than 10% of cases) and requires vigilance when driving vehicles.
What are the contraindications of pregabalin?
Pregabalin should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Patients treated with pregabalin should be informed of the malformation risks associated with taking this medication during pregnancy and use a effective contraception throughout their treatment. In June 2022, the Medicines Agency reported data confirming a risk of malformation linked to exposure to pregabalin during pregnancy multiplied by almost 1.5 compared to the population not exposed to this drug. For women of childbearing age, effective contraception can be prescribed. It is also necessary avoid associations with alcohol or other medications that may cause drowsiness. On the other hand, there is no no major contraindication apart from an allergy to this medicine.
Thanks to Nathalie Le Guyader, Head of Pharmacy Department of the Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon Hospital Group, in Paris.
- Topiramate, pregabalin and valproate: publication of new data on the risks associated with exposure to these drugs. ANSM. June 29, 2022.
- Pregabalin (Lyrica and generics): modification of the conditions of prescription and delivery to limit misuse, ANSM, May 21, 2021