Correspondence (letter to the editor): Pregabalin: Risk of Addiction and Misuse

I would like to add that the risks of drug dependence, addiction and misuse are not limited to opiates/opioids, but must be taken into consideration with the first-line drug pregabalin as well. In parts of the drug scene, pregabalin is consumed in significant amounts and with severe negative consequences (behavioral changes in some cases similar to those seen with benzodiazepines and lethal [mixed] intoxications, among others).

While it may be acceptable to prescribe pregabalin to patients who are known to the physician for many years and have their diagnosis adequately confirmed, I think that pregabalin should not be prescribed to unknown patients (“recently moved to the area”, “family physician cannot be contacted“, “on holiday and pregabalin package accidentally left at home“) without verification of the information provided by the patient. Unfortunately, the broad range of indications, extending beyond neuropathic pain, promotes doctor hopping for the purpose of acquiring pregabalin.