Lyrica dangerous
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The Dangers of Lyrica (Pregabalin) Abuse
Introduction to Pregabalin (Lyrica) Abuse
Pregabalin, commonly known by its brand name Lyrica, is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. However, its potential for abuse and dependence has become a growing concern. This article explores the various dangers associated with Lyrica abuse, including its impact on reproductive health, risks for individuals with a history of substance misuse, neurotoxic effects, and potential malformation risks during pregnancy.
Reproductive Health Risks
Impact on Male Reproductive Health
Studies have shown that pregabalin abuse can significantly harm male reproductive health. Research conducted on male Wistar rats revealed that chronic pregabalin intake adversely affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, leading to hindered hormone secretion, increased reactive oxygen species, and DNA damage. These changes result in impaired sperm motility and morphology, ultimately affecting fertility1.
Risks for Individuals with Substance Misuse History
Increased Abuse Potential
Patients with a history of substance misuse are at a higher risk of abusing pregabalin. Recent studies suggest that the abuse potential of pregabalin may have been underestimated. When prescribed to individuals with a history of alcohol or other substance misuse, there is a considerable risk of pregabalin abuse, which can lead to severe health complications2.
Neurotoxic Effects
Brain Health and Neurotoxicity
Chronic abuse of pregabalin has been linked to significant neurotoxic effects. In a study involving Wistar rats, prolonged pregabalin supplementation resulted in dysregulation of neurotransmitter release, increased oxidative stress markers, and brain tissue inflammation. These effects were dose-dependent and included elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as increased brain tissue apoptosis5. This highlights the potential for severe neurotoxic consequences with long-term pregabalin abuse.
Recreational Abuse and Emergency Department Cases
Seizures and ICU Admissions
Recreational abuse of pregabalin has led to numerous emergency department visits. A case series from an urban emergency department reported that patients abusing pregabalin presented with symptoms similar to drunkenness, with dosages ranging from 500 to 1400 mg. Notably, 60% of these patients experienced seizures, and 20% required ICU admission for intubation and ventilation3. This underscores the severe acute health risks associated with recreational pregabalin abuse.
Malformation Risks During Pregnancy
Conflicting Evidence on Malformation Risks
The potential risks of pregabalin use during early pregnancy have been a topic of concern. A literature review of studies investigating malformation risks found conflicting and generally low-quality evidence. While some studies suggested a slight increase in the risk of major malformations, the data were not conclusive enough to attribute these risks solely to fetal pregabalin exposure. Consequently, the updates to the Lyrica product literature regarding malformation risks may not be sufficiently substantiated4.
Conclusion
The abuse of pregabalin (Lyrica) poses significant health risks, including adverse effects on reproductive health, increased potential for abuse in individuals with a history of substance misuse, severe neurotoxic effects, and acute health emergencies such as seizures. Additionally, the evidence regarding malformation risks during pregnancy remains inconclusive. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of these dangers and exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin, particularly to individuals with a history of substance misuse.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
How the Pregabalin (Lyrica) Administration as an Abuse Drug Can Affects the Reproductive Health of Male Wistar Rat
Addiction to pregabalin (Lyrica) negatively impacts male reproductive health and fertility by hindering hormone secretion, raising reactive oxygen species, and causing DNA damage and testicular histology.
RCT
Animal StudyPregabalin Abuse and the Risks Associated for Patients with a Previous History of Substance Misuse
Pregabalin abuse risk is significantly higher when prescribed to patients with a history of substance misuse, and its abuse potential may have been underestimated.
LYRICA NIGHTS–RECREATIONAL PREGABALIN ABUSE IN AN URBAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Pregabalin recreational abuse can lead to seizures and ICU admissions, requiring emergency physicians to be aware of its use and potential toxicity.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalA critical appraisal of controlled studies investigating malformation risks following pregabalin use in early pregnancy
Pregabalin use in early pregnancy may have a small increased risk of malformations, but the evidence is low quality and insufficient to justify product literature updates.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalNeurotoxic Assessment of Chronic Abuse of Pregabalin in Wistar Rats
Prolonged abuse of pregabalin can cause neurotoxic effects by dysregulating brain neurochemicals, causing inflammation, and promoting apoptosis in Wistar rats.
RCTAnimal StudyQuantification of pregabalin using hydrophilic interaction HPLC-high-resolution MS in postmortem human samples: eighteen case reports.
Pregabalin concentrations in postmortem human samples ranged from 0.4 to 17.0 g/mL, with potential as a cause of death in 3 cases, and were found in peripheral blood, central blood, urine, and bile.
Case ReportPfizer loses UK patent for blockbuster pain drug after threats to doctors
Pfizer has lost its UK patent for pregabalin for pain control after making unjustifiable threats to doctors, the High Court ruled.
Rigorous JournalPregabalin Abuse amongst Opioid Substitution Treatment Patients.
Pregabalin abuse is prevalent among opioid substitution patients, with a 7.0% misuse rate, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of this prescription drug.
Observational Study