Addictive epilepsy drug increasingly used recreationally, experts warn
Highly addictive, potentially life-threatening medication for epilepsy, called Lyrica, is allegedly increasingly being used as a recreational drug by people in the Netherlands, particularly the homeless, causing addiction experts to sound an alarm, Nieuwsuur reports. Lyrica, the brand name for prescription drug pregabaline, can also cause people to become aggressive.
It is legally prescribed in small doses for epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and nerve pain, and is available at pharmacies. The sedative drug can produce euphoria, but combining Lyrica with alcohol or other depressants can halt breathing, according to addiction care organization Jellinek.
Police have arrested multiple Lyrica dealers in the Netherlands in recent months, some carrying hundreds of pills. Nieuwsuur also reported claims that undocumented migrants and some asylum seekers are reportedly obtaining it illegally.
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) said the drug is primarily used at reception centers in Budel and Ter Apel by residents with slim chances of obtaining a residence permit. "Problems mainly arise when people run out of the drug," a COA spokesperson said.
"They get frustrated and cause disturbances. Since 2019, addiction specialists have been working at COA locations to assist with controlled tapering.”
Doctor Michelle van Tongerloo is a physician who treats people on the street, including individuals who are homeless, and those in precarious housing situations in Rotterdam. In an interview with Nieuwsuur, she described the aggressive behavior shown by some Lyrica users.
“A whole flood of people” appeared at her door, “very aggressive, very demanding,” she told the news program. Nearly all addicted patients she treats are undocumented migrants. She urged recognition of Lyrica addiction to make it possible for treatment centers to develop proper guidelines.
