"Surge in UK Deaths Linked to Common Anxiety Drug"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert
The UK has seen a surge in deaths linked to the anxiety drug pregabalin, with 441 deaths in 2022 compared to 187 in 2018. Reports comparing this to the US opioid epidemic may cause undue panic, as most fatalities are due to interactions with other drugs, particularly opioids. The rise in deaths coincides with an increase in pregabalin prescriptions, suggesting a need for better education on risks and drug interactions. Certain groups, such as those with substance use disorder, are at higher risk, and there's evidence of growing illicit use. Understanding why people combine pregabalin with other drugs is crucial for developing strategies to reduce harm.