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Recent revelations regarding the surge in deaths linked to the use of pregabalin, an anti-anxiety medication widely prescribed in the U.K., have prompted concerns about its safety and potential for dependency.

Pregabalin, known by brand names such as Alzain, Axalid and Lyrica, has been at the center of attention following reports of adverse effects and fatalities associated with its use.

The drug, initially intended for epilepsy treatment, is now commonly prescribed for anxiety and nerve pain.

According to a study, more than 8 million people in the U.K. have been prescribed pregabalin, indicating its widespread usage.

However, alarming statistics reveal a sharp rise in pregabalin-related fatalities over the last five years, with nearly 3,400 deaths reported in Britain.

Notably, 779 of these fatalities occurred in 2022 alone, a stark increase from just 9 deaths a decade earlier, as reported by The Sunday Times.

The concerning figures have drawn attention to the potential dangers posed by pregabalin and raised long-standing concerns about its addictive nature and dependency-inducing effects.

Pregabalin operates as an anticonvulsant as it mitigates abnormal brain activity in epileptic patients while suppressing anxiety-inducing neurotransmitters.

Despite its therapeutic potential, the drug's side effects, including headaches, drowsiness, mood changes and weight gain, have been widely reported.

Furthermore, people prescribed pregabalin have expressed difficulties with withdrawal symptoms, exacerbating existing anxiety and posing significant challenges in discontinuing the medication.

Personal accounts shared by patients like Sarah and Caroline showed the debilitating impact of pregabalin withdrawal, highlighting symptoms ranging from severe depression and anxiety to cognitive impairment and physical discomfort.

"I ended up suffering depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, severe icy chills, extremely loud tinnitus, funny turns and seizures, none I had before that drug. I have been completely off [pregabalin] for nearly four years and am still struggling with long-term withdrawals," Sarah, a 44-year-old London-based social worker, told Euro News.

"I am absolutely terrified about coming off this drug," U.K.-based carer Caroline also shared.

In response to the growing concerns, online support groups such as "Lyrica Survivors (Pregabalin and Gabapentin Support)" have emerged, providing a platform for individuals grappling with pregabalin-related issues to share experiences and seek guidance.

"People's lives have been devastated by this drug, including loss of life, loss of employment, legal action due to altered mental status from the drug, children removed from the home, families separating, financial hardship, and of course, permanent disability in many cases," Facebook group's admin Amy Ireland, reportedly said, per the outlet.

Experts caution that the lack of adequate support services for people struggling with pregabalin dependency suggests the need for a reevaluation of current approaches to mental health treatment.

Dr. Mark Horowitz, a psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric drug withdrawal, emphasized the importance of gradual tapering and individualized treatment plans to mitigate withdrawal symptoms effectively.

While pregabalin remains a valuable therapeutic option for some, the escalating fatalities and adverse effects associated with its use require enhanced monitoring and patient education.

Prof. Glyn Lewis from University College London advocates for vigilant monitoring of side effects and encourages patients to report any adverse reactions to their healthcare providers.

"Pregabalin could be effective and helpful for many people, but patients should follow the advice of their doctor and report any side effects they experience," Lewis reportedly said in a statement.

As concerns surrounding pregabalin persist, ongoing research aims to elucidate its effectiveness in treating anxiety and identify potential withdrawal symptoms.