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Published on: April 23, 2019
Patterns of pregabalin misuse: Need for intervention
Tanushree Sarvepalli1, Sandeep Mewada2, Shatrunajay Shukla2
1Department of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, #Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Pregabalin misuse is a significant issue in India, particularly among adult men, leading to serious health consequences. Stricter regulations and targeted interventions are urgently needed to combat this growing problem.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Drug Abuse Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Pregabalin, an antiepileptic, is increasingly misused recreationally.
- This misuse poses significant public health concerns globally and in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent and patterns of pregabalin misuse in India.
- To provide a global perspective on pregabalin misuse using pharmacovigilance data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective post-market observational study using VigiBase.
- Analysis of pregabalin-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from January 2011 to April 2024.
- Identification and analysis of abuse-related reports using MedDRA terms at global and Indian levels.
Main Results:
- Globally, 8,058 pregabalin abuse reports were identified, with intentional product misuse being most common.
- In India, 50 abuse reports were identified, predominantly drug abuse (52%) and intentional overdose (26%).
- Indian cases were mainly adult males (18-44 years, 72%; males, 90%), with 94% serious outcomes and 54% requiring hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Pregabalin misuse is prevalent in India, particularly among young adult males.
- Pregabalin misuse is associated with serious adverse events, including prolonged hospitalization.
- Urgent need for stricter regulations and targeted interventions to curb pregabalin misuse and mitigate risks.
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