GP won't prescribe me pregabalin.

[panic_down_under]

I don’t understand as why it is difficult for a script when studies show it’s not addictive..

Some of the early studies did claim this, but experience and more recent data suggests otherwise.

It can trigger dependency to about the same extent as the benzodiazepines (BZDs), and it will induce euphoria at high doses which is why it (and gabapentin) are now classified as a Class C controlled substance in the UK together with BZDs, stimulants and some opioids and a Schedule V controlled substance in the U.S. (Australia has yet to act, but it's only a matter of time). Unfortunately, it has become a drug of abuse and some are dying as a result.

The only advantage pregabalin has over the BZDs is that it doesn't seem to inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis and may enhance it.

[MyNameIsTerry]

Some of the early studies did claim this, but experience and more recent data suggests otherwise.

It can trigger dependency to about the same extent as the benzodiazepines (BZDs), and it will induce euphoria at high doses which is why it (and gabapentin) are now classified as a Class C controlled substance in the UK together with BZDs, stimulants and some opioids and a Schedule V controlled substance in the U.S. (Australia has yet to act, but it's only a matter of time). Unfortunately, it has become a drug of abuse and some are dying as a result.

The only advantage pregabalin has over the BZDs is that it doesn't seem to inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis and may enhance it.

Yep, it only went to a Class C here to allow law enforcement to take harsher action to address it because it had become a street drug. It was common in prisons. Without those campaigning to tighten it up (and bizarrely GP's were criticised for not being more careful in controlling it...which is worrying considering there are worse things they could give you) it wouldn't have changed from a Schedule 4 drug along with all other normal meds.

The Class C campaign also caused the negative attitude towards mental health. Now people struggle to get it more because GP's are worried they will get picked up on it...yet they will write you a script for some Benzo's of Hypnotics much more easily That's politics for you!

[Quinn1]

Some of the early studies did claim this, but experience and more recent data suggests otherwise.

It can trigger dependency to about the same extent as the benzodiazepines (BZDs), and it will induce euphoria at high doses which is why it (and gabapentin) are now classified as a Class C controlled substance in the UK together with BZDs, stimulants and some opioids and a Schedule V controlled substance in the U.S. (Australia has yet to act, but it's only a matter of time). Unfortunately, it has become a drug of abuse and some are dying as a result.

The only advantage pregabalin has over the BZDs is that it doesn't seem to inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis and may enhance it.

Thank You Ian for the information, I think I need to speak with my GP and wean myself off it.

[panic_down_under]

Thank You Ian for the information, I think I need to speak with my GP and wean myself off it.

Please don't rush to action. Take the time to thoroughly discuss your options with your GP. Pregabalin may remain the best option for you. There is also a case for staying on it until an alternative treatment, med, or therapy, takes effect. There is some evidence that it enhances hippocampal neurogenesis, the mechanism by which ADs and therapy work, by advancing the maturation of new brain cells (Valente MM, 2012; Lempel AA, 2017).