Srinagar, Jan 30 (KNO): Doctors and mental health professionals across Kashmir have raised serious concerns over the rising misuse of pregabalin, a prescription drug increasingly being consumed by people struggling with substance abuse.
Medical experts warn that the trend is fast emerging as a public health challenge among drug addicts.
Pregabalin, commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders and epilepsy, is now being misused for its sedative and euphoric effects.
Doctors said the drug is easily available in the market and is often taken without medical supervision, sometimes in dangerously high doses.
"We are witnessing an increase in patients misusing pregabalin, especially among those having a history of opioid or substance dependence," Dr Aadil Ahmad, a medical officer at Addiction Treatment Facility Shopian, said, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said many believe it is a safer alternative to narcotics, which is a dangerous misconception.
"The prolonged and unsupervised use of pregabalin can lead to dependence, severe withdrawal symptoms, memory impairment, dizziness and respiratory depression, especially when combined with other substances," Dr Aadil said.
Another doctor said that pregabalin is often used by addicts to cope with withdrawal symptoms and to recreate a high, quitting stronger drugs, and some recovering addicts relapse due to easy access to the medication," said Dr Abbas Ahmad.
He said some pharmacies sell it without proper prescriptions. "This loophole must be plugged immediately," he added.
Doctors urged the drug control department and law enforcement agencies to strictly regulate the sale of pregabalin and ensure it is dispensed only on valid prescriptions. They also called for regular inspections of pharmacies, saying many patients who shun addiction to support their families are left in extremely poor conditions.
Authorities must step in not only to curb misuse but also to support those who are genuinely trying to rebuild their lives, the doctors urged.
An official said the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, along with the officials of the drug controller department, have restricted the sale of pregabalin in the district.
He said the medical shop owners have been directed to have CCTV and photocopies of prescription of pregabalin and other NRX drugs.
"Such steps are stopping drug addicts, to some extent, from getting the medicine illegally," the official said—(KNO)