In recent years, there has been growing concern over the misuse of the painkiller pregabalin in Ireland. Known on the street as “Coffin tablet”, the drug is being abused by individuals seeking its sedative and calming effects. This has led experts to call for pregabalin to be made a controlled drug in Ireland, to curb its misuse and potential for harm. In this article, we will explore why pregabalin has become such a popular drug for misuse, the risks associated with its abuse, and the arguments for and against its classification as a controlled substance.
Pregabalin, marketed under the brand name Lyrica, has become a “street drug” in Ireland and is contributing to an increasing number of deaths in people attending drug addiction services. The drug, which is originally approved for use in 2004 for pain associated with certain types of nerve damage, epilepsy, and for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, is also prescribed “off label” for other conditions. However, pregabalin has emerged as a dangerous drug of misuse among the homeless, and coroners are calling for it to be reclassified as a controlled drug (Class C). GPs working in homeless and drug addiction services reported their concerns about the misuse and detrimental outcomes of pregabalin, including overdose, to the Coroners Society of Ireland (CSI). In cases where pregabalin was heavily misused, patients stocked up on pregabalin by attending a number of different doctors and repeatedly returning to doctors declaring that their medications had been stolen and seeking “replacement”. Several patients with addictions to pregabalin have died, prompting the coroners to call for a government initiative to control its use.
A 2019 study published in Drugnet Ireland found a direct link between the level of dispensing of pregabalin and an increase in poisoning deaths in Ireland. The latest prescribing data shows that pregabalin is among the top 20 drugs prescribed for medical card holders in the country. Pregabalin has a high abuse potential and causes harm and suffering. It can be bought on the street for as cheap as €10, with drug users referring to the drug as “coffin tablets”. There is a lack of awareness among prescribers of the abuse potential of pregabalin, which calls for the need to reclassify the drug as a controlled substance to curb its increasing misuse.
The coroners’ efforts have prompted calls for designated control measures whereby doctors prescribing controlled drugs are required to follow relevant national and international prescribing guidelines. The abuse of pregabalin highlights the dangers associated with the misuse of prescription drugs, as well as the need for more education surrounding their proper use. The coroners are hopeful that the Irish government will take appropriate action to classify pregabalin as a controlled substance and ensure that prescribers are better informed about the drug’s abuse potential, side effects, and proper usage.
In conclusion, the coffin tablet, or pregabalin, is a painkiller that is being misused in Ireland. It is being abused for its sedative and euphoric effects, leading to addiction and potential overdose. As a result, it is essential that the government makes pregabalin a controlled drug in Ireland. This will not only help to prevent its misuse but also ensure that it is only prescribed for medical purposes. Let us prioritize the health and wellbeing of our communities by taking this necessary action. Together, we can make a positive change and combat the misuse of this dangerous drug.
