What is pregabalin, a drug used for addiction, and how widespread is its abuse?
What is pregabalin? Pregabalin is used to treat epilepsy.
The Punjab government has cancelled the licenses of 12 firms selling drug formulations containing pregabalin.
Union Health and Family Affairs Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. Pregabalin is a neurological drug commonly used to treat epilepsy and several other mental illnesses, but Punjab statistics show that its misuse is widespread in Punjab.
JP Nadda gave this information in response to a question from Punjab Congress MP Gurjit Aujla from Amritsar constituency. Nadda also said that the Punjab government’s Food and Drugs Administration had raided 72 places last year and seized drugs containing pregabalin worth Rs 5.97 crore.
Pregabalin is being used as a drug in many countries around the world, which is why there have been demands for stricter laws on its use from time to time.
JP Nadda said that, Pregabalin is a widely abused neurological drug, some people use it for recreational purposes. He told the Lok Sabha, “The Punjab government has cancelled the licenses of 12 firms and suspended the licenses of 46 firms. So far, 11 complaints have been filed in the courts in this regard.”
“As informed by the Food and Drugs Administration, the Punjab government is aware of the increasing misuse and smuggling of the pharmaceutical drug Pregabalin.”
He said that in a letter dated February 28, the Food and Drug Administration had issued instructions to the state’s drug manufacturers, clearing and forwarding agents, wholesale chemists and retail chemists to submit information and reports regarding the sale and purchase of pregabalin and six other drugs to the Drugs Control Officers.
The sale and distribution of drugs is controlled by the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by the Punjab government.The SLAs are empowered to take action in case of violation of the regulatory provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945.
Nadda said that from time to time, various complaints have been received regarding the sale of drugs without a doctor’s prescription and these are forwarded to the concerned State Licensing Authorities for appropriate action.
What is pregabalin?
Pregabalin is used to treat a number of mental conditions, including epilepsy, nerve pain and anxiety. The drug comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form and is often referred to by its brand name.
Apart from India, several cases of its misuse have been reported in the UK and the US. Efforts to control the use of this drug in the UK have been ongoing since 2022. However, doctors say that it can be a very beneficial treatment for patients if taken correctly and it should remain available.
What is pregabalin? What are the side effects of pregabalin?
Some people call pregabalin the new Valium or “Bud” (as in Budweiser beer) because it gives users a sense of mental relaxation, working in much the same way as tranquilizers or alcohol.
If taken in excess, it can cause physical problems such as drowsiness and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are exacerbated when it is combined with medications that affect normal brain functions. Patients who are given pregabalin are advised to avoid alcohol.