Pregabalin is a medication prescribed for seizures, neuropathic pain and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Prescribing rates and illicit use of pregabalin has been causing concern in NI for some years now, especially their escalating role in drug related deaths.

This webinar will enable you to understand the effects, risks and ways to work with pregabalin users.

Pregabalin – Northern Ireland’s favourite medication

Prescribed to treat health problems, including nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety, pregabalin’s ability to also produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness means increasing numbers of people are now using it in harmful ways.

This is despite the drug having a number of associated risks and side-effects, including dependency, overdose, and death - particularly when mixed with other substances, including opioids and alcohol.

Northern Ireland currently has the highest prescription rate for pregabalin within the UK. There is also a growing illicit market here for the drug, with many people purchasing it online from unregulated websites.

As a result this drug was classified in April 2019 as a class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), in an attempt to reduce these harms and risks.

The webinar will explore the prevalence of pregabalin use, common effects, harms and risks. It will also look at how to work effectively with people who use pregabalin (other than those who use as prescribed). Practical strategies to manage withdrawal, dosing and prevent overdose will also be discussed.

This webinar is not free to attend as there is no specific funding for it. It costs £25 per person to attend including a postal pack of materials you will receive afterwards.

Please note that once your place has been confirmed we will charge the above fee whether or not you subsequently join the webinar.