The ANSM alerts healthcare professionals to the risks of dependence and abuse of the antiepileptic Lyrica and its generics following several reports since 2010.
Pregabalin, the active substance in Lyrica and its generics, is used in adults to treat certain forms of epilepsy, neuropathic pain (characterized by burning pain or electric shock) or generalized anxiety disorder. But for several years, this drug which acts on the nervous system has been diverted into narcotic drugs by patients.
“These drugs are subject to misuse for recreational purposes,” warned this week the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). The first reports of abuse were notified in Europe in 2010, and to the addictovigilance network in France in 2011 ”. Because of these misuse, and the risk of dependence, special monitoring was then put in place and studies were carried out on patients.
Falsified prescriptions
They confirmed the risk of dependence and abuse, “from the first months of treatment”. Those responsible for the work also showed “that a population of patients treated with methadone (a treatment for heroin addiction, editor’s note) abuse pregabalin ”. An increase in the consumption of this treatment in these at-risk patients has also been pointed out by the health authorities.
In addition, the latest national addictovigilance monitoring report showed that patients abusing pregabalin obtained the drug illegally. Indeed, “a diversion of prescriptions with falsified prescriptions” has been identified as well as a “medical and / or pharmaceutical nomadism”. In other words, patients see several doctors and change pharmacy to receive their treatment.
Caution and vigilance
Worried, the ANSM therefore calls on prescribers to be cautious and vigilant, in particular in front of patients with a history of drug addiction. “Signs of misuse, abuse or dependence on pregabalin, such as the development of tolerance, increasing doses and drug seeking behavior should be monitored in these patients,” says the agency. medication.
When stopping treatment, you may also need more medical supervision as withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, sweating or depression may develop.
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