DOSE:

oral

Pharms - Pregabalin

(daily)

When I first started on pregabalin, the shrink in the private psychiatric hospital where I spent a few days suggested that it would be better for me in the long term than lorazepam, which they handed out in abundance because I was freaking out over being locked up when I'd handed myself in as a voluntary patient.

I took my first 75mg dose and didn't really expect much; recreational doses can range from 300mg up into the thousands, but about an hour of feeling nothing I found myself giggling uncontrollably. I had nothing to laugh at, I was locked up in an English mental hospital at the other end of the country (I live in Wales) - but everything seemed hysterically funny even at such a low dose. The doctor assured me that the 'high' would go away after about a week, which is how long it takes to work when prescribed as a mood stabilliser (which is what they told me it was for).

I have Asperger Syndrome and an emotionally unstable personality which has in the past gotten me in trouble with the law. Now here's the rub. Since I commenced this new and seemingly wonderful drug, I haven't had a single major episode. There have been times when I've started to freak out in public, which is why I still carry lorazepam (Ativan) for its rapid onset and total state of calm. I carry it but never take it. It's just there in case I need it.

I've gained a lot of weight since starting on this drug. I take 150mg 3x daily, and my appetite always kicks in later on in the evening. Lower doses seem to suppress appetite, but the effect builds up over the course of the day and I end up eating at night. Not healthy, but then it's better than not eating at all. Before I started on this course, I was dangerously thin because stress made it impossible to eat.

Pregabalin has basically saved my life. No more suicidal thoughts or self harm. A new, slightly overweight but otherwise healthy body. A happy-go-lucky, carefree personality and the ability to think before I speak and offend anybody with my words - a constant problem with Asperger Syndrome, but the EUPD tended to twist the slightly strange into the downright offensive. Before pregabalin, I offended a LOT of people with my words and political views. Now, I just smile and take another 150mg.

A sensible drink doesn't seem to interact with it, despite both alcohol and pregabalin being GABAergic drugs. However, drink in excess plus pregabalin equals blackout and potential for unintended social suicide - all inhibitions lost in the blink of an eye. If you drink to get drunk then do NOT combine a heavy drinking session with pregabalin. GABAergic compounds must be respected at all times.

The best part is that it doesn't stop working after long-term steady dosing. The bad news is that once it gets a hold, I MUST keep to the dosing schedule or bad things will happen. Accidentally missing a dose causes my whole body to vibrate and my hands shake so badly that I can't even roll a joint. I feel frightened and I don't know why. It's no way near as bad as benzo rattles or DTs, but it's still a hair-raising experience and anyone about to commit should first question whether they want such a commitment.

Yes, it's a commitment. Regular dosing is the only way to ensure that it works in the long term, and also to avoid a rather nasty withdrawal syndrome. It's not a wonder drug, it's just a drug, and a powerful one at that. I have a lot of issues and pregab is the first and only drug apart from cannabis which has helped me in the long run. It's kept me out of the hospital, given me back my life but now it is part of my life and I cannot imagine a future without it. Stay safe and approach with caution.

Exp Year: 2018	ExpID: 111784
Gender: Not Specified
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Apr 26, 2018	Views: 3,411
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Pharms - Pregabalin (418) : Various (28), Medical Use (47)