As of: March 25, 2024, 2:07 p.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
Comments
Press
Split
Many deaths related to a painkiller have been reported in Great Britain.
But what is particularly dangerous is improper use.
Painkillers can make everyday life easier, but they can also be harmful to our health.
Because the drugs can be addictive.
Anyone who takes painkillers uncontrollably over a long period of time risks serious organ damage.
In Great Britain, around 3,400 people are said to have died from the painkiller pregabalin, reports the
Sunday Times.
The drug is prescribed millions of times and is also used in Germany.
Painkillers can be addictive
The prescription drug Pregabalin is often prescribed in Germany, but can have serious side effects (symbolic image).
© Westend61/Imago
Many painkillers have a central effect, i.e. on the entire brain and nervous system, and not only have a pain-relieving effect, but often also a general depressant and sometimes euphoric effect.
Users who feel anxious and sad can feel better for a short time.
However, the effect wears off over time and the dose needs to be increased.
There is a risk of addiction, as the
German Pain Society
warns.
This is also the case with the drug Pregabalin, which is also regularly prescribed in this country.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything about health in the regular newsletter from our health experts at 24vita.de.
Pregabalin is approved for epilepsy, neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder.
It has an anesthetic, relaxing and euphoric effect, which is why it is also used in the drug scene and by substitutes.
There it is usually consumed in high doses and together with opiates, alcohol, cocaine and other addictive substances, which can lead to life-threatening poisoning (mixed intoxication) with fatal consequences, as the
Bremen Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
informs.
According to experts, pregabalin in itself is not dangerous
If pregabalin is used as directed, there is no danger for patients, write the scientists Dr.
Harry Sumnall, Professor of Substance Abuse at Liverpool John Moores University, and Dr.
Ian Hamilton, Associate Professor of Addictions at the University of York, on the science platform “The Conversation”.
Nevertheless, doctors should inform patients about possible risks, say the experts.
And especially with a view to possible drug addiction, check whether a prescription is really necessary.
My news
On Princess Victoria's name day: Prince Oscar steals the show
Unusual event: 25,000 people wait in St. Peter's Square - Pope foregoes reading sermons
The wave of bankruptcies continues: cult beverage manufacturer is insolvent
Skoda's novelty with a combustion engine impresses fans - read “It's sustainable”.
Seriously injured ski jumping ace with devastating bedside diagnosis
Motorcyclist from Munich has to return on foot - and takes out anger on construction yard employees
When does a person become addicted to medication?
A drug addiction is a substance-related addiction.
The medication is taken repeatedly because it was good once, for example it relieved pain, or because pain should be prevented.
Over time, those affected lose more and more control over whether they take the drug or not.
According to the German Pain Society,
the following behaviors can
indicate drug addiction:
You feel a strong desire or compulsion to take the medication
There is no control over when and how much of the medication is consumed and whether the intake is stopped
If the drug is not taken, withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, tremors and pain occur
The body becomes tolerant to the substance and more and more of the drug must be taken to achieve the same effect
The consumption of medication takes precedence over other activities; a lot of time is spent taking the medication or recovering from taking it
Negative consequences of taking it are ignored
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.