Srinagar, May 2: Misuse of Pregabalin is emerging as a serious health risk in Kashmir, with expert from SKIMS warning of dangerous brain-related complications due to unsupervised use.
Speaking exclusively with Asian News Hub, Dr Rouf Asmi, Head of Neurology at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, warned that the misuse of Pregabalin can lead to serious health complications, including effects on the brain.
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Dr Asmi explained that nerve-related pain, commonly known as radiculopathy, is often caused by conditions such as cervical spondylosis, slipped discs, and lower back problems.
“Pain in the neck, back, or limbs is usually linked to nerve involvement. If the root cause, such as a disc issue, is treated on time, the pain can be reduced,” he said.
He stressed that simply suppressing pain with medicines without identifying the underlying cause can worsen the condition in the long run.
The neurologist expressed concern over a growing trend of people taking Pregabalin on their own for quick pain relief.
“Today, anyone experiencing pain tends to take painkillers like Pregabalin, as it is widely used for relief. This is not safe,” he warned.
While the drug is effective when prescribed for specific nerve conditions, its unsupervised use can lead to multiple health issues.
Dr Asmi said misuse of Pregabalin can affect the brain and overall functioning of the body.
“It can cause cerebral toxicity, particularly affecting the cerebellum—the part of the brain responsible for coordination,” he explained.
Prolonged or casual use may lead to:
Excessive drowsiness (sedation)
Reduced coordination
Risk of dependency
Other neurological complications
He also noted that similar medicines, such as Gabapentin, are being widely used without prescription, adding to the growing concern.
Dr Asmi linked the rise in nerve pain cases to changing lifestyles.
“More people today complain of neck, back, and leg pain. Lifestyle changes are a major reason,” he said.
He pointed out that gym culture is also contributing to the problem.
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“Some people try to build muscles quickly through heavy lifting or powerlifting without proper guidance, which can damage nerves,” he said.
At the same time, lack of physical activity is equally harmful.
“People who do not exercise at all may develop pain even with minor physical effort,” he added.
Dr Asmi advised people to be cautious both with exercise and medication.
“If you go to the gym, train under a qualified fitness trainer. Do not attempt heavy lifting on your own,” he said.
He issued a strong warning regarding Pregabalin:
“Never take this medicine without a doctor’s prescription. Always consult a specialist before using such drugs.”
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With increasing complaints of back and nerve pain across Kashmir, doctors say awareness is crucial to preventing misuse of medicines.
Dr Asmi’s warning serves as a reminder that while drugs like Pregabalin may offer temporary relief, careless use can lead to serious long-term health problems, turning a simple issue into a much bigger one.
