Can Lyrica Cause Addiction and Produce More Harm Than Good?

What Is Lyrica?

Pregabalin, better known by the brand name Lyrica, is a medicine developed by Dr. Richard Bruce Silverman. The Northwestern University chemistry professor created pregabalin in the 1990s with the original intention of epilepsy treatment. The drug was only effective in addressing partial seizures, however. It was only in 2004 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

According to the FDA (https://www.drugs.com/history/lyrica.html), pregabalin is intended mainly as a cure for convulsions and pain caused by spinal cord injuries or diabetes-related nerve damage. The drug has gained immediate popularity as a medication for fibromyalgia pain. In 2013, Lyrica was one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. It has earned Pfizer, the drug's manufacturer, billions of dollars in annual sales.

What Health Problems Can Lyrica Cure?

The FDA approved pregabalin mainly as a treatment for partial seizure disorders. It works in the central nervous system and controls seizures and pain. It stops convulsions and soothes some specific nerve pain. Doctors also prescribe the drug to manage the pain of fibromyalgia. It can also ease the pain of nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy, spinal injury, and shingles.

Other doctors prescribe Lyrica to people suffering from other chronic types of pain. This pain includes pain caused by surgery, migraines, and anxiety disorders. People consider Lyrica an off-label prescription. This means that people sometimes use it for reasons other than its FDA-approved uses. which has created a surge of use.

Is It Possible to Abuse Lyrica?

Why are some people concerned if people can abuse Lyrica? People can read articles on Lyrica high Reddit that ask how do u get high from Lyrica?

Since Lyrica is still a relatively new drug, people are still learning about its potential for abuse. Doctors mainly prescribe it to people who are suffering from partial seizures and fibromyalgia. Some people also believe that the drug may treat anxiety. Some doctors prescribe it for off-label uses.

The increase in the number of pregabalin prescriptions raises questions about the possibility of Lyrica abuse. When the public uses it more without information on its effects, the probability of abuse may become more prevalent.

Can you cut Lyrica in half? Some users think that doing so will help them avoid substance abuse. Still, without prescriptions and medical supervision, using Lyrica incorrectly can lead to eventual abuse.

The European Union (EU) has approved the use of Lyrica for anxiety disorders but the FDA has not done so. In 2015, Northern Ireland (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-37574709) contained the highest number of prescription Lyrica users in the United Kingdom.

Researchers have tested Lyrica's efficacy in treating tremors associated with conditions such as Parkinson's disease. They have also conducted studies on whether the drug can be a treatment for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Drugs such as Lyrica have the potential to cause abuse (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24760436) or addiction. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the generic form of Lyrica, pregabalin, a Schedule V drug. This means that the agency does not find it extremely addictive. While it is considered low-risk, it is still on the DEA's list of controlled substances. Lyrica thus has the potential to cause addiction.

How Can People Abuse Lyrica?

Pregabalin produces a high that is not as strong as other prescription drugs. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and pregabalin (https://heliometrics.net/medications-at-high-risk-for-diversion-and-abuse-in-correctional-facilities-corrections-com/) , however, are still listed among medications that are of high risk of diversion and abuse in correctional facilities because people may still try to obtain a Wellbutrin and Lyrica high.

Does Lyrica give you energy? Well, as it combats pain, Lyrica provides extreme relaxation. Other addictive prescription drugs such as oxycodone (OxyContin) produce euphoric feelings.

The Lyrica high experience is a less intense type of high. The addictive property of the drug may be due to its pain relieving properties and the feelings of relaxation it provides. Only four percent of users reported a euphoria-level Lyrica high Erowid reported (https://erowid.org/pharms/pregabalin/pregabalin.shtml).

Treatments for pain or anxiety can cause dependency. The dependency ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28988943) may be more psychological than chemical. People who have personalities that are prone to addiction or people who have histories of addiction may be more likely to abuse Lyrica.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Lyrica?

Researchers conducted several trials on Lyrica. The studies reported that nine percent of the people who used the substance more than twelve weeks gained weight. FDA said that this may be a serious side effect, since weight gain may cause problems for people with fibromyalgia who use the drug.

In addition, Lyrica may also cause fluid retention. It may cause swelling, a condition known as edema (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003103.htm). Oher side effects may include:
-Dry mouth
-Dizziness
-Blurry vision
-Tremors
-Speech problems
-Difficulty breathing
-Bruising easily
-Swelling of arms, breasts, hands, ankles, and feet
-Constipation
-Muscle twitches
-Depression
-Suicidal thoughts
-Panic attacks
-Hypertension
-Aggressive nature

Other serious effects can occur when using the drug. If they occur, people should stop using Lyrica and find immediate medical assistance. Serious side effects include:
-Increased heartbeat
-Chills
-Diarrhea
-Ulcers in the mouth
-Sore throats
-Difficulty breathing
-Pain in the muscles

Risks involved in using Lyrica may include the following:
-Panic attacks
-Depression
-Suicidal thoughts
-Withdrawal from normal activities and friends
-Mania
-Aggressiveness
-Birth defects
-Possibile decreases in male fertility

What Are the Signs of Lyrica Addiction?

Users should also consider the possibility of Lyrica addiction. Different people react to Lyrica in different ways. The 225 mg Lyrica high is tolerable to some individuals. Some doctors prescribe as much as 450 mg per day, depending on the efficacy of the dosage for different people.

An addiction to Lyrica may require rehabilitation treatment. Increases in the amount of prescription Lyrica may also increase the potential of abuse. Easy access to such medications may mean higher probabilities of Lyrica use and abuse.

What Are the Symptoms of Lyrica Withdrawal?

People may be dependent on Lyrica if they continue to use the drug even if it is not treating their medical conditions. Withdrawal symptoms may contribute to their dependency, especially if the users have been using Lyrica for a long time.

Stopping Lyrica and other drugs can produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ending the use of Lyrica may cause seizures to return and occur more frequently. Other withdrawal symptoms that Lyrica-addicted persons can experience include:
-Headaches
-Migraines
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Irritability
-Insomnia
-Tingling sensations
-Nightmares
-Depression

Withdrawal symptoms caused by Lyrica are similar to withdrawal symptoms produced from alcohol and other drugs. The exact addictive properties of Lyrica are still unknown at this point. Its cellular makeup is not addictive. What is clear is its habit-forming effect, which may cause physical dependency and may lead to addiction. Lyrica's feel-good component may make it prone to abuse, but dependent and addicted individuals can find help.

Charles Watson
https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/blog/can-lyrica-get-me-high/

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