Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Nerontin
Lyrica
Gabbies
Gabby
Pregabalin
Pregabs

Scientific Names: Pregabalin: 3-isobutyl GABA, (S)-3-isobutyl-γ-aminobutyric acid. Gabapentin: 2-[1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexyl]acetic acid.

Generic Names: Gabapentinoids

An example of what Pregabalin and Gabapentin looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Pregabalin and Gabapentin are medications that are structural similar to a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. They are similar but not identical drugs that are prescribed as capsule, table, or an oral solution in a range of doses. Pregabalin is the equal to 6 times the potency of Gabapentin. Street pregabalin is most often seen as a red and white 300mg capsule, although versions made in India and sold as street drugs may be up to 450mg.

Effects of Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Desired Effects:

Euphoria
Calmness
Relaxation that many have compared to benzodiazepines, along with an alcohol like high.
When combined with other drugs, like opioids, the euphoric effects are increased, but so are the feelings of sleepiness, dizziness and the risk of overdose.

Side Effects:

Nausea
Constipation or diarrhoea
Slurred speech
Poor muscle control
Visual disturbances.
Less common effects: swollen hands and feet, headaches, abnormal thoughts, suicidal thoughts, shortness of breath, chest pain, mouth sores, chills, nausea, coughing, tremor, and other cold symptoms.

Harm Reduction

If you are prescribed regular doses don’t suddenly stop. Ask your GP or drug service for advice.
Misusing these drugs at high doses is increasingly common and can be fatal. These deaths are almost always in combination with other drugs. Most deaths also involved heroin and/or methadone.
Never mix pregabalin and gabapentin with other drugs, especially heroin or other depressants including alcohol.
Don’t use alone.
If somebody overdoses call for an ambulance.
Always carry and use naloxone. Naloxone will not reverse the effects of pregabalin and gabapentin but will reverse the effects of any heroin or other opioid that have also been taken.

Risks

Long term risks:

Tolerance can develop quickly and dependence has also been reported.
Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, nausea, headache, or diarrhoea.
Pregabalin may also cause hallucinations, heart problems (including heart failure), depression, agitation.
Pregabalin and gabapentin should be avoided during pregnancy.

Short term risks:

Pregabalin is more dangerous than gabapentin in high doses.
Pregabalin also reinforces the effects of heroin and exacerbates heroin-induced respiratory depression by reversing heroin tolerance at low doses and directly depressing respiration at higher doses.
During 2024 in England and Wales there were 617 deaths associated with pregabalin and 160 associated with gabapentin. However, deaths rarely occur without drugs like heroin or methadone being used at the same time, with just 16 of the pregabalin deaths occurring without the presence of another drug.

How does Pregabalin and Gabapentin work?

Central nervous system depressant. Analgesic, anti-convulsant and anti-anxiety. These drugs act upon neurotransmitters in the brain.

Legal status of Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act as Class C.

How is Pregabalin and Gabapentin taken?

Pregabalin and gabapentin capsules and tablets are normally swallowed, but have been snorted.

Paraphernalia

If the drug is snorted - a razor blade will be used to chop it into lines on a hard level surface such as a mirror or a sheet of glass or a tile.

Medical uses of Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Pregabalin and Gabapentin are widely prescribed in neurology, primary care and psychiatry for nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder.

Where Does it Come From?

These can be prescribed medications form a doctor or generic brands that have been imported and sold on the illicit market.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services. For a description of what the different drug services do, choose helping services from here or the main menu.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.