Latest news with #Pregabalin
Mint
3 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Delhi shocker! ‘Trance drug' sold without prescription in Capital – it isn't cocaine, heroin
Delhi: Pregabalin, a prescription medication meant to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain is being sold over the counter at multiple government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras and private pharmacies across the national capital. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the medicine, which is also now dubbed as the 'trance drug,' is readily available, despite being a scheduled drug that should only be sold with a doctor's prescription. Pregabalin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. In anxiety, it stops the brain from releasing the chemicals that make a person anxious. Pregabalin, marketed under brand names such as Lyrica, Alzain, and Axalid, is meant to be dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. A 23-year-old software engineer, who once got addicted to the drug, blamed the easy access for leading to his addiction. 'I was told it's like alcohol but cheaper, and you don't get a hangover,' the engineer told HT, adding that he got addicted to Pregabalin to the extent that he began consuming 'more than a dozen a day", as compared to his earlier consumption of 'three pills' a day. Recounting his exprience, the engineer told:"No one stopped me. If pharmacies had asked for a prescription, maybe I wouldn't have spiralled so far." One official from the Delhi drug department acknowledged the issue but said the department had not received any formal complaints. He said that last year, the Punjab government formally wrote to the Centre requesting that Pregabalin be included in the H1 list of scheduled drugs. Any drug with H1 classification mandates pharmacists to maintain sale records of the same and dispense it only with a doctor's prescription. 'We are aware that Pregabalin misuse is a growing concern. Punjab, in particular, has faced serious abuse of this drug among young people,' the official said. 'But since Pregabalin is not yet listed under Schedule H1, it becomes much harder to regulate its sale," HT quoted the official as saying.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Drugs sold freely in Capital fuels rising addiction among youth
New Delhi: In the back alleys of Delhi or inside a government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras, a quiet drug crisis is unfolding. The substance in question isn't heroin or cocaine — it's Pregabalin, a prescription medication meant to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain. Pregabalin, marketed under brand names such as Lyrica, Alzain, and Axalid, is meant to be dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. (Representative photo) But on Delhi's streets, it has earned a far more sinister reputation: the 'trance drug.' 'I used to take it just once a week for the high,' said a 28-year-old who began using Pregabalin recreationally after friends introduced him to its effects. 'Soon I couldn't stop. Now I take it almost every day. And I've never once been asked for a prescription.' Pregabalin, marketed under brand names such as Lyrica, Alzain, and Axalid, is meant to be dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. But it is being sold freely — and illegally — across the Capital. An HT investigation revealed that the drug is readily available without a prescription at multiple Jan Aushadhi Kendras and private pharmacies, despite being a scheduled drug that should only be dispensed with a doctor's note. At five Jan Aushadhi outlets — in Munirka, CR Park, Alaknanda, Govindpuri, and Zakir Bagh — HT was able to buy multiple dosages of the drug (75mg, 150mg, and 300mg) without so much as a question. Ten-tablet strips cost as little as ₹30 at these subsidised pharmacies, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which is meant to offer affordable generic medicines to the public. Also Read: Punjab bans sale of pregabalin beyond 75mg In effect, the government's own welfare infrastructure is now helping to fuel an emerging addiction crisis. Officials from Delhi's drug control department refused to comment officially. However, one senior official who spoke on the condition of anonymity acknowledged the issue but said the department had not received any formal complaints. 'We are aware that Pregabalin misuse is a growing concern. Punjab, in particular, has faced serious abuse of this drug among young people,' the official said. 'But since Pregabalin is not yet listed under Schedule H1, it becomes much harder to regulate its sale.' The official confirmed that last year, the Punjab government formally wrote to the Centre requesting that Pregabalin be included in the H1 list of scheduled drugs -- a classification that would require pharmacists to maintain sale records and dispense it only with a doctor's prescription. The Centre is yet to act on that. Seeking a high At first glance, Pregabalin might not seem like an obvious choice for abuse. It was developed to treat nerve-related conditions and anxiety. But users say it also offers a relaxed, floaty 'buzz' that has drawn comparisons to alcohol and Valium -- without the hangover. 'I was told it's like alcohol but cheaper, and you don't get a hangover,' said a 23-year-old software engineer who began using Pregabalin in 2022. 'I started with three pills. Eventually, I was taking more than a dozen a day.' Now clean and out of rehab, he blames the easy access for fuelling his addiction. 'Even when I realised I was addicted, the pills were still easy to buy. No one stopped me. If pharmacies had asked for a prescription, maybe I wouldn't have spiralled so far.' Many users said the addiction creeps up quietly. Another user, 25, said the drug's appeal lies in how subtle and slow the addiction can be. 'It gave me a sense of confidence, a feeling that I could do anything. That's what made it so dangerous. You don't notice it taking over your life until it already has.' No hurdles at pharmacies Experts say the lack of regulatory oversight is at the heart of the problem. While Pregabalin is a scheduled drug under Schedule H — which technically requires a prescription — it is not on the stricter H1 list, which mandates record-keeping and tighter controls. In Punjab, where the drug is locally nicknamed 'ghoda (horse)' due to its veterinary use and tranquilising effects, has already been placed under tighter restrictions. Sale of 150mg and 300mg doses is no longer permitted without special authorisation in several districts. But in Delhi, no such restrictions exist. HT was able to purchase multiple strips from both private and government pharmacies without any form of prescription or ID verification. Also Read: 19 charge-sheeted for last year's 1,200kg drug bust in Delhi When contacted, the Delhi Chemists Association denied that pharmacies were selling Pregabalin illegally. However, interviews with pharmacists suggest otherwise. 'It's an open secret,' said one pharmacist in South Delhi, who admitted to selling the drug off the record. 'We don't give it to everyone — only to regular customers. As long as they don't create trouble, it's fine. We've been doing this for years.' Left on dependency Doctors at de-addiction centres across Delhi say they are now seeing a growing number of young adults – often between 16 and 35 – checking in for Pregabalin abuse. 'Some of the worst cases are taking up to 1,800 mg a day – that's around 20 pills,' said Dr Shabiullah Sayyed, a psychologist at Rainbow Hospital. 'And the problem is they didn't even think they were doing something dangerous at first. It's not heroin. It's not smack. It's just a pill from a chemist.' Another psychologist from the God's Will Rehab Centre noted that the trend is similar to earlier waves of Tramadol or codeine syrup abuse. 'There is an urgent need to address over-the-counter drug abuse, especially among youngsters. There should be stricter regulations and public awareness.' Pregabalin is not currently listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act — which means there's no legal penalty for possessing or distributing it. Need for regulation In September 2023, several district magistrates in Punjab imposed local restrictions on the sale of Pregabalin above 75mg and urged the Centre to bring the drug under Schedule H1. But no national-level action has followed. Experts say the Centre must act immediately.'While the hospital has not yet received any additional case of Pregabalin but definitely, many patients who were prescribed the drug have shown the signs of dependency of the drug,' said Dr Rajinder K Dhamija, director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS). He added that unless the drug is reclassified under H1 and subject to NDPS-like control, the number of new addicts will continue to grow. Also Read: 'MANAS' proves effective: Delhi registers 16 drug-related cases this year But for those who have struggled with addiction, the drug's easy availability remains a source of deep frustration – and sadness. 'I sometimes think my life could have been very different if the pharmacist had just said no,' said the software engineer, now clean after months in rehab. 'First few times being on it feels euphoric; soon it becomes a hell… Maybe if I needed a prescription, I wouldn't have started. Or I'd have stopped sooner.' He pauses. 'But no one ever asked.'
South Wales Argus
01-08-2025
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool dealer caught after thief stole drugs worth £17k
Daniel Gibbins, 39, was storing 172g of cocaine in the garden of the house he was sharing with his mother in Pontypool. He was undone when a burglar broke into the shed and took the Primark bag in which he was keeping the class A drugs. The defendant was using a 'small group of street dealers' to sell the cocaine, Cardiff Crown Court was told. Hywel Davies, prosecuting, said the police became involved when they investigated the break-in which occurred at around 3am during the early hours of Saturday, May 24. The bag containing the drugs had been dropped by the burglar and its contents traced back to Gibbins. He had initially claimed the cocaine was for his own personal use. Officers found further amounts of the class A drug, cannabis and Pregabalin – used to treat epilepsy and anxiety – and £210 cash in the defendant's bedroom. Gibbins, of Lasgarn View, Varteg admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of a class B drug and possession of a class C drug. The defendant has eight previous convictions for 32 offences and was previously jailed for six months for supplying cannabis, Mr Davies told the court. Gibbins' barrister Tim Naylor said the best mitigation he could present to the court was his client's early guilty plea to supplying cocaine. His lawyer added: 'His life has been blighted by the use of drugs for some years and he was dealing to fund his own cocaine habit. 'The defendant was buying nine ounces at a time and using a small group of street dealers. 'This is a 39-year-old man still living at home who was dealing drugs out of his shed.' Mr Naylor added that Gibbins had previously been treated for obesity. Judge Shomon Khan told the defendant that he could only 'speculate' that the burglar had known he was storing cocaine in his garden shed. He said that Gibbins had put his family 'in harm's way'. The defendant was jailed for three years and four months. Gibbins was told he would serve half or 40 per cent of that term in custody before being released on licence. Judge Khan ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.
Time Business News
28-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Pregabalin 150mg for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia: Fast Relief?
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most common and challenging complications of shingles, affecting the nerves and causing persistent pain that can last for months or even years. Patients with PHN often struggle to find effective and sustainable relief. One medication that has gained attention in this domain is Pregabalin 150mg, known for its nerve-calming properties and effectiveness in chronic neuropathic pain. But how fast does it work? And is it truly a reliable solution? In this article, we explore the role of Pregabalin 150mg in managing post-herpetic neuralgia, its mechanism of action, how quickly it provides relief, and what patients can realistically expect. Understanding Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Post-herpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that persists after a shingles infection (herpes zoster) has healed. It typically affects older adults and results from nerve damage caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include: Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the area where shingles occurred Heightened skin sensitivity Pain lasting more than three months after the rash clears Sleep disturbances and emotional distress The intensity and duration of PHN pain can vary greatly between individuals, making personalized treatment crucial. What is Pregabalin 150mg? Pregabalin 150mg, sold under brand names like Lyrica, is an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medication that is FDA-approved for treating neuropathic pain, including post-herpetic neuralgia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as gabapentinoids, which modulate nerve activity. The 150mg dose is considered a mid-range starting or maintenance dose in PHN treatment and can be adjusted based on response and tolerance. How Does Pregabalin Work for PHN? Pregabalin doesn't work by blocking pain signals directly like opioids or NSAIDs. Instead, it binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in overexcited nerves. This reduces the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P, all of which are associated with pain transmission and nerve sensitization. This calms the overactive nerves, reducing the abnormal firing that contributes to the burning and tingling sensations in PHN. How Fast Does Pregabalin 150mg Work for PHN? This is the key question for most patients suffering from PHN. The onset of relief depends on several factors, including the individual's pain intensity, how long they've had PHN, and their sensitivity to medications. Timeline of Effects: Initial Response : Some patients begin noticing relief within 3 to 5 days , especially improved sleep due to reduced nighttime pain. : Some patients begin noticing relief , especially improved sleep due to reduced nighttime pain. Peak Relief : Most patients experience significant improvement within 2 to 4 weeks at the 150mg dose. : Most patients experience at the 150mg dose. Full Effectiveness: It may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for the full benefits, especially in long-standing or severe PHN cases. If relief is insufficient, the dose may be increased to 300mg per day under medical supervision. Clinical Evidence Supporting Pregabalin for PHN Multiple clinical studies have confirmed Pregabalin's effectiveness in reducing PHN pain: A randomized controlled trial published in Neurology found that patients on Pregabalin 150–600mg/day had significantly lower pain scores and better sleep quality compared to placebo. found that had significantly lower pain scores and better sleep quality compared to placebo. In another meta-analysis of over 1000 patients, Pregabalin showed substantial relief within 2 weeks, particularly in patients with moderate to severe pain. These findings reinforce its role as a first-line treatment in neuropathic pain management. Advantages of Pregabalin 150mg for PHN ✅ Targeted Nerve Pain Relief Pregabalin targets nerve-related pain specifically, which is crucial for conditions like PHN where traditional painkillers may not work. ✅ Improved Sleep Quality PHN pain often flares up at night. Pregabalin helps improve sleep by calming nerve activity and reducing nighttime pain. ✅ Better Quality of Life Reduction in pain leads to better mood, fewer depressive symptoms, and improved physical activity levels. ✅ Fewer Gastrointestinal Side Effects Compared to NSAIDs and opioids, Pregabalin does not cause stomach ulcers or constipation. Potential Side Effects of Pregabalin 150mg While effective, Pregabalin is not without side effects, particularly in elderly patients. Common side effects include: Dizziness or drowsiness Blurred vision Weight gain Dry mouth Swelling in hands or feet Serious but rare effects: Suicidal thoughts Severe allergic reactions Mood changes Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to 150mg can minimize side effects. Who Should Not Take Pregabalin? Not everyone is an ideal candidate for Pregabalin. Caution is advised in: Elderly patients with balance issues (due to risk of falls) with balance issues (due to risk of falls) Patients with kidney disease (Pregabalin is renally excreted) (Pregabalin is renally excreted) People with a history of substance misuse Those who drive or operate machinery until they know how it affects them Always consult a healthcare provider before starting Pregabalin. Pregabalin 150mg: Dosage & Administration for PHN Starting Dose : Often 75mg twice daily or 150mg once at night : Often 75mg twice daily or 150mg once at night Maintenance : 150–300mg/day in divided doses : 150–300mg/day in divided doses Maximum Dose: 600mg/day (usually reserved for severe or unresponsive cases) Food doesn't affect its absorption, so it can be taken with or without meals. Patient Tips for Best Results Take consistently at the same time daily at the same time daily Do not stop suddenly – taper down gradually to avoid withdrawal – taper down gradually to avoid withdrawal Track pain levels – use a journal to monitor response – use a journal to monitor response Report side effects – dizziness and swelling should be noted – dizziness and swelling should be noted Combine with lifestyle support – gentle exercise, meditation, and physical therapy can boost recovery What to Expect After Starting Pregabalin 150mg Week Expected Outcome Week 1 Mild pain reduction, better sleep, possible dizziness Week 2 Noticeable drop in burning/stabbing sensations Maximum effect, pain is significantly more manageable Steady relief, improved daytime function Week 6+ Maximum effect, pain significantly more manageable Note: If no benefit is seen by Week 4, dosage adjustment or medication change may be necessary. Is Pregabalin 150mg a Long-Term Solution? For many patients, yes. Some continue taking it for months or even years under medical supervision if PHN is persistent. Others taper off as the nerve heals. However, long-term use requires regular monitoring, especially in elderly patients, to prevent dependence or tolerance. Conclusion: Is Pregabalin 150mg the Answer for PHN? When used under proper medical guidance and combined with supportive therapies, Pregabalin 150mg can significantly improve the lives of those suffering from PHN. It might not cure the condition, but for many, it restores comfort, mobility, and peace of mind. FAQs Q: Is Pregabalin 150mg addictive? A: While not highly addictive, it can cause dependence if misused or taken long-term without supervision. Q: Can I take Pregabalin with other medications for PHN? A: Yes, but always check for interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants and topical lidocaine are sometimes used together with Pregabalin. Q: Can Pregabalin cure PHN? A: No, it manages symptoms. The goal is to reduce pain while the nerve heals naturally over time. Q: What if 150mg doesn't work? A: Your doctor may increase the dose or combine it with another therapy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Tribune
19-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Appeals court to rule on boatman convicted over fatal sea crash that killed two Bahrainis
The High Criminal Appeals Court will deliver its verdict on July 31 in the case of a boatman convicted over a sea crash that killed two Bahraini men. The defendant was earlier sentenced by the Minor Criminal Court to seven months in jail, fined BD1,150, and had his boat and nets confiscated. Bail was set at BD100, suspending the prison term pending appeal. Two Asian crew members were also sentenced to 40 days in jail and ordered deported for illegal fishing and overstaying their visas. Prosecutors accused the main defendant of causing death by negligence while operating the vessel under the influence of Pregabalin, a controlled substance he was not authorised to possess. He was also charged with multiple safety violations, including lacking essential equipment such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, and first aid supplies. His vessel was also missing navigation lights and a tracking device, increasing the risk of collision. The court originally sentenced him to six months for manslaughter and breaching marine safety regulations, and an additional month plus a BD100 fine for drug possession. He was also fined BD1,000 for illegal bottom trawling and vessel misidentification, and BD50 for missing safety equipment. The crew received one-month sentences for unlawful fishing and an additional 10 days for immigration violations. They face permanent deportation after serving their terms. The incident occurred near Al Mohammadiya Islet, where two boats collided. The boatman was later found towing the damaged vessel near Malkiya, with one victim's body on board. The second body was recovered near Budaiya port. Civil claims related to the incident have been referred to the civil courts.
