Why Trust Recovery Guide Lyrica (pregabalin) is the brand name of a generic prescription drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant, affecting the brain’s neurotransmitters to produce sedative effects. While this medication is designed to be taken orally in capsule form to treat conditions like nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders, some people misuse it by crushing and snorting the powder in an attempt to achieve faster or stronger effects. This dangerous practice can lead to serious health complications including severe nasal damage, increased risk of overdose, and rapid development of addiction.
Snorting Lyrica bypasses the medication’s intended slow-release design, flooding the system with the drug all at once and dramatically increasing the potential for harmful side effects.
Read more about the dangers of snorting drugs.
Side Effects Of Snorting Lyrica
When under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and used as prescribed, Lyrica has side effects that include lethargy and weight gain. When Lyrica is abused at high doses, it may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. People who have mental health issues may be at increased risk of hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Other effects of pregabalin abuse include:
- insomnia
- constipation
- confusion
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle weakness
- difficulty breathing
- hallucinations
- generalized anxiety disorder
- suicidal thoughts
Lyrica may reduce fertility in males. Further, the prescription medication may increase risks for pregnant women and their unborn child, including congenital birth defects. More research is currently needed to determine the potential adverse effects of misusing CNS depressants like pregabalin.
Reasons For Snorting Lyrica
While Lyrica is often safely prescribed for treating nerve pain, it is a Schedule V prescription drug and can be habit-forming when abused. People who abuse Lyrica without a prescription and guidance of a qualified medical professional are at high risk for developing a Lyrica drug addiction and more likely to snort it than swallow it in pill form.
As a generic medication, it is low in cost and easy to obtain, which increases Lyrica’s abuse potential. People who snort Lyrica do so to feel the euphoric effects faster.
Signs And Symptoms Of Snorting Lyrica
Snorting Lyrica is dangerous and may lead to damage to nasal membranes and cause permanent loss of smell. The crushed medication irritates delicate nasal tissues, leading to chronic nosebleeds, infections, and holes in the nasal septum. People who abuse Lyrica often partake in polysubstance abuse with opiates such as oxycodone, methadone, or diazepam, cannabis, or alcohol, and are at increased risk of adverse side effects.
Some symptoms of Lyrica addiction include:
- fever
- heart palpitations
- depression/anxiety
- impaired memory
- difficulty speaking
- loss of coordination
- dizziness
People faced with Lyrica addiction may start lying about their use or exaggerating medical symptoms to doctors to get more prescriptions. They often neglect personal and professional responsibilities, refuse to quit despite legal, social, or financial problems, and begin hiding their drug use from friends and family. Self-isolating behavior becomes common as the addiction takes priority over maintaining relationships and normal activities.
Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms
Lyrica withdrawal symptoms are similar to withdrawal from benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioids. Withdrawal symptoms are caused by the brain and body’s chemical dependence on Lyrica. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms depend on the longevity and frequency of use of pregabalin. Acute withdrawal symptoms from Lyrica substance misuse will occur within 24 hours after the last dose of the drug. When abused habitually at higher doses, withdrawal symptoms may last up to two weeks. People who abuse Lyrica at a lower dose and with less frequency may experience withdrawal symptoms lasting several days.
Common Lyrica withdrawal symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating and chills
- headaches
- sleep problems and insomnia
- fatigue and weakness
- anxiety and panic attacks
- depression and mood swings
- confusion and difficulty concentrating
- seizures
- extreme anxiety or panic
- suicidal thoughts
- high blood pressure
- rapid heart rate
Attempting to quit Lyrica suddenly without medical supervision can be dangerous, especially for people who have been using high doses or combining it with other substances. The risk of seizures during withdrawal makes it important to work with healthcare professionals who can provide proper monitoring and support. A gradual tapering schedule, where the dose is slowly reduced over time, is usually the safest approach and can help minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one are facing addiction to prescription drugs, you can find treatment today. Talk to your primary care provider to learn more about the recovery process and inpatient or residential treatment options.
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- National Institute of Health — Intranasal Pregabalin Administration: A Review of the Literature and the Worldwide Spontaneous Reporting System of Adverse Drug Reactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31766153/
