Pregabalin addiction
What is pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a prescription medication used to treat various forms of nerve pain and to treat seizures. It is also used to treat anxiety and restless leg syndrome. Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant that works by decreasing the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms and is taken either orally or via injection.
Pregabalin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. It is used to treat several different conditions, including epilepsy, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. The drug works by decreasing the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are responsible for transmitting signals in the brain that can affect a person’s mood, behaviour, and perception of pain.
Pregabalin is typically prescribed to patients who are suffering from nerve pain due to conditions such as diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury. It can also be used to treat certain types of seizures and to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Pregabalin is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. The immediate-release form of the drug is usually taken by mouth, while the extended-release form is typically administered through an injection.
What is addiction?
An individual with addiction is one who can no longer control their dependence on a substance, activity, or behaviour. It is a chronic illness that can seriously harm a person’s relationships, finances, physical and mental health.
Pregabalin addiction can also lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and difficulty going about daily tasks for the addicted person. It’s critical that anyone battling an addiction to pregabalin gets expert assistance from a professional healthcare provider.
Pregabalin addiction
When used as prescribed, pregabalin is generally safe and effective. However, it can be abused, leading to an addiction. Individuals who are addicted to pregabalin may take larger doses than prescribed, take it more often than directed, or take it for non-medical reasons. Signs of pregabalin addiction may include cravings, difficulty controlling use, and withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
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The effects of pregabalin
When pregabalin is abused, individuals may experience physical and psychological symptoms of dependence. Physical symptoms of dependence can include:•
Weight gain- Disturbed sleep
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Poor muscle control
- Blurred vision
- Heart problems including failure (less common)
- Feeling confused
- Feeling dizzy
- Confusion
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
Psychological symptoms may include agitation, irritability, and anxiety. If you’re intentionally mixing other drugs with pregabalin this may even lead to overdose.
Withdrawal from pregabalin can be dangerous, so individuals should seek professional help. Symptoms of pregabalin withdrawal can include sleep disturbances, muscle spasms, anxiety, cravings and depression.
Severe withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts.
Treating pregabalin addiction
It is important to seek professional medical help immediately if you suspect you or a loved one may be addicted to pregabalin. Our treatment programmes at Steps Together typically include a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while psychotherapy can provide valuable support and guidance.
For our residential and non-residential (outpatient) clients, we provide an eclectic blend of discrete, private, and confidential therapy programmes. This guarantees that we provide treatment and therapy programmes that are tailored to each individual, family, or group’s needs. These cover a wide range of addictions, disorders, and emotional and mental health concerns, and they include some of the best and most scientifically supported treatment modalities.
At Steps Together, we carefully blend clinical treatment, therapy, hospitality and accommodation to provide you with the perfect holistic environment, all under one roof, to help you enjoy your stay and make the most of your treatment programme and recovery.
Pregabalin detox
If you suddenly stop taking pregabalin (Lyrica) or decrease the dose, it can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The treatment we offer at Steps Together begins with a detox process, which allows the drug to leave your body. During this period you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, there may be some discomfort experienced during this time including:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Anxiousness
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Depressions
- Sweating
- Feeling agitated
- Heart palpitations
- Changes in behaviour
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
Steps Together will assist you in overcoming your addiction as part of the detox programme. Our team of knowledgeable experts are here to help and support you at every stage of what may seem like a difficult process. Together, with a thorough plan to assist you in breaking your addiction, we will offer you a safe and welcoming environment to recovery.
For a free and confidential discussion with one of our friendly treatment advisors, please call 0330 175 7031 today.
Real stories from our previous clients
“I can’t imagine to this day what it was like for my parents, a mix of relief that I had finally agreed and disbelief that this is what it had come to.”
Ben, sober since January 2019
