Almost 3,400 deaths related to the drug Lyrica (pregabalin) in the United Kingdom: And in Spain?

2024-03-14 11:42:33

The drug Lyrica (pregabalin) is related to the deaths of almost 3,400 people in the United Kingdom. Although nine deaths were recorded in 2012, the number increased exponentially until 780 deaths were recorded during 2022.

Pregabalin is a medication that was initially indicated for epilepsy, but its indications have expanded greatly and it is now very common to see it prescribed for pain. that you have pain for the sciatica?: Lyric to singing. Have fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)? Lyrics to singing.

A research published in The Sunday Times reflects that pregabalin has been prescribed to around 8 million people in the UK between 2021 and 2022 and specifies the unusual number of deaths from the drug.

What’s more, the issue of dependency or addiction to treatment is now being addressed. Although pregabalin is not an opioid like the infamous fentanylits potential to generate dependency should not be underestimated since some people become “junkies” of the state of relaxation that can produce.

This physical dependence is considered a normal body response since the brain tends to “get used” to repeated exposure to psychoactive drugs as is the case.

In this blog we have been following the ravages of Lyrica for many years, so the news did not surprise us. Here you have everything published in my space. Already in May 2009! It was prescribed a lot in our country without having received permission from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). As the retired doctor pointed out Vicente Baos in his blog, El Supositorio:

With studies that have not demonstrated a relevant effect in the short or long term, the aim was to obtain authorization to advertise and authorize the indication of pregabalin in fibromyalgia. The EMEA considers that the benefit/risk not proven and, furthermore, no clinical trials are being carried out in this indication in the European Union.

Vicente Baos.

Photo by Mariana Montrazi.

That’s as far as its effectiveness is concerned. The data tells us about a great marketing campaign to introduce it into the market in a forced manner, and expand its indications in the same way to achieve the greatest sales possible, regardless of whether their effectiveness was not proven and could cause serious damage.

And in Spain, could the same thing be happening as in the United Kingdom? Well, it’s more than likely. We published it not long ago, in November 2023: Gabapentinoid drugs (Lyrica) for pain, their use continues to grow despite their few benefits and serious risks.

The consumption of these treatments increased in Navarra, for example, by 28% between 2016 and 2021. But in the country as a whole, sales of these medications have grown by 50% in the last four years.

An example of the damage that it can cause (and that may not be related to the treatment), is that 11% of the people who took them in Navarra had a diagnosis of asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

And it happens that in diseases like those mentioned, mixing gabapentinoids with other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines and opiates) causes a high risk of respiratory depression and dependence.

In people over 65 years of age, their consumption It can also cause heart disease, edemadizziness and greater risk of suicide and depression…and more than 50% of those who take them meet this condition.

So serious risks and very low benefit. From the United Kingdom they are already warning us with the tremendous death data.

If you have any problems with this drug consult with us.

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