Over the last years, a lot of drug addiction cases have been reported. The issue of drug misuse has reached an alarming stage in Pakistan. Particularly in drugs, Pregabalin is observed to increase steadily in Islamabad and the surrounding areas. Pregabalin is originally aimed at treating nerve pain, anxiety, and seizures, but has now begun to emerge as a serious growing concern. 

For the reader’s awareness and as a healthcare guide, this article below will explore pregabalin addiction in Islamabad in detail and offer treatment options and recommendations. 

What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a certified medication that is primarily used for neuropathic pain, seizures, and generalised anxiety disorder. This works by binding to the α2-δ subunit of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release and dampening neuronal excitability in the vicinity. 

However, therapeutic medications are safe for patients, but researchers find that overdose of these drugs can cause a serious threat, depending upon the dosage, far beyond the prescribed range. 

Mechanisms of Pregabalin Misuse

At high doses, pregabalin produces sedative-euphoric effects, which are sensitive to take regularly as it is concerned with addiction. Relatively easier availability of pregabalin in almost every medical setting contributes a lot to the rising risk of misuse. 

People who have relatively weak regulatory controls can exceed doses beyond prescription. It is commonly studied that the pregabalin addiction in Islamabad has been misused alongside gabapentin and tramadol. People who are already affected by some substance disorder are at high risk of developing pregabalin addiction.

Factors Specific to Pregabalin Addiction in the Islamabad / Pakistan Context

  • The Islamabad Quality Control Board has recently reported that the use of pregabalin associated with tramadol and gabapentin is increasing at a high rate, and these are being sold without prescription and have seen a very high increase in sales. 
  • Calls have been made to include pregabalin in Schedule G of the ICT Drug Sale Rules 2013 to curb unregulated sales. 
  • These regulatory lapses increase the chance of misuse of pregabalin in Islamabad for non-medical purposes.

Signs and Symptoms of Pregabalin Addiction

Being addicted to some drug to the level that it starts getting worse is a terrifying situation. Recognizing the problem at early stages is the key to recovery. Below are some common indications of pregebalin addiction:

Behavioural Signs

  • Taking medicine for a longer time than prescribed and in larger amounts. 
  • Craving for a dose even when there is no anxiety or pain
  • Continued use of pregebalin without taking into consideration personal health and social harms. 
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability with a risk of suicidal thoughts

Psychic Symptoms

  • Dizziness
  • Swelling in limbs 
  • Droesiness 
  • Seizures
  • Tremors  
  • Insomnia 

High Dose Misuse Reports: It has been studied that some individuals took thousands of mg per day of pregabalin, which is much more than the prescribed pregabalin doses.

The Situation of Pregabalin Addiction in Islamabad

Emerging Trends in Islamabad

  • January 2025’s news reports highlight that the use of preabalin has risen greatly in Islamabad. 
  • Local regulatory authorities are requesting the DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan) to reconsider the pregabalin use and sale under strict controls. 

Risk Groups

  • Young males, people who have a prior drug abuse history, or those taking multiple prescriptions, are more at risk of getting addicted. 
  • In Pakistan’s context, individuals may take more of the drug as prescribed, making the drug more readily available for misuse.

Impacts & Consequences

  • Ultimately, the pregabalin addiction leads to a significant decline in mental and physical health, improper functioning at home or work, financial burden, and to face of a severe social stigma. 
  • As mentioned earlier, the use of pregabalin is often associated with other drugs, so the risk of overdose and severe cases increases. 

Treatment and Available Recovery Options in Islamabad

After having enough details, one must know the treatment options available in Islamabad to get assistance. So, come ahead and explore every detail in a step-wise approach:

  1. Assess the Issue and take Acknowledgment: First of all, recognize the misuse and then seek a professional assessment for the related health issue. 
  2. Medical Detoxification: Mental health providers, under a highly supervised environment, give patients the taper doses to avoid some basic symptoms.
  3. Psychosocial Therapy: This therapy is done by motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and also a therapy with close friends or family members to access the root causes of the issue. 
  4. Relapse prevention & after-care: Ongoing support, peer groups, behavioural changes, and monitoring help effectively in a fast recovery. 
  5. Specialised clinic support: For example, the IRC Rehab Clinic in Islamabad lists services for “Pregabalin-Addiction” including safe detox, therapy, and 24/7 support.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the pregabalin addiction in Islamabad is considered a growing concern associated with mental health, and the consequences are in the form of individual health disturbances, affecting families and friends. 

While pregabalin has legitimate uses, it can also lead to the threat of unprotected use. So, if you find yourself or some of your friends involved in this misuse, then early recognition and recovery treatment options can save the rest of your lifestyle with very positive and super results. 

So, stay informed and have an eye on the recovery options to stay safe from Pregabalin Addiction in Islamabad.