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Original poster

Pregabalin addiction

31 replies

HildegardeCrowe · 05/09/2021 09:38

I’m on prescribed Pregabalin, the highest dose of 600mg, for a severe anxiety disorder. Have been on and off for about 5 years. It helps with the anxiety but am now addicted and it causes intense alcohol cravings and am now drinking 2 bottles of wine daily. GPs don’t seem to have any idea of how addictive this drug is and the potential for abuse. Am desperate to come off it but know it’ll be hell. I think I’d rather live with the anxiety (have had loads of talking therapy which has achieved nothing) than be a spaced-out alcoholic. I’ve always had issues with alcohol (am now 64) but never this bad. Does anyone have any experience/advice please?

OP posts:
ItsOverFlo · 06/09/2021 18:49

You need referral to mental health. It really depends where you live whether they'll accept the referral or not. But, you need guidance and support.
That is a lot of pregabalin to be on for anxiety. Maybe a change to an alernative, such as an anxiolytic which mimics the effects of alcohol may help you to reduce. But I really can't advise as I don't know your history. Plus other talking therapies maybe?
GP is the first step, but probably won't be confident in making decisions like that, so ask for referral.

BrozTito · 06/09/2021 20:33

Antabuse is a great idea I think.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 07/09/2021 07:16

Yes picking up prescription for Antabuse today (saw GP yesterday who was lovely). Have appointment with alcohol services in a couple of weeks who apparently have a Pregabalin expert who can talk to me and advise on coming off it. Thank you @ItsOverFlo, am under mental health services and they are utterly useless so hoping alcohol services will be better equipped to help me.

OP posts:
BrozTito · 07/09/2021 15:32

In my experience community drug and alcohol workers are far more practical, more specific and will give you solid things to aim for. Just be truthful and keep appointments, though it sounds like you'l be fine with that. Keep this thread going and there are other regular ones you can go onto.

FourteenthDoctor · 09/09/2021 18:54

Hi op how are you getting on

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 10/09/2021 06:51

Hi @FourteenthDoctor, probably pinning too much hope on D@HildegardeCrowe weekend as it’s DD’s lasts before she goes back to uni.

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