Pregabalin and tramadol addiction treatment in Islamabad

Pregabalin, often sold as Lyrica or under other brand names, and tramadol are two of the most misused medicines in Pakistan. Both can be bought from many pharmacies without a prescription, and both can cause dependence.

Health Plus treats pregabalin and tramadol misuse with a supervised reduction, psychiatric care for anxiety and low mood, and the recovery skills needed to stay off them.

Easy pharmacy access, and why young people are at risk

Young men often start with a few capsules from a friend, or a strip bought at a local pharmacy. Pregabalin gives a calm, drunk-like feeling. Tramadol gives energy and relief from pain. Within months, some are taking ten or more a day.

Families often find empty strips in pockets and bins. Because these are 'medicines', many parents do not realise how serious the dependence can become, or that stopping suddenly can cause severe withdrawal.

Signs to watch for at home

Noticing several of these over weeks, not days, is a reason to get advice.

• Taking more than prescribed, or without a prescription
• Empty strips in pockets, bags or bins
• Dizziness, slurred speech or confusion
• Mood swings and irritability between doses
• Spending heavily at pharmacies
• Restlessness, sweating or no sleep when stopping

How pregabalin and tramadol withdrawal is managed

Stopping pregabalin suddenly after heavy use can cause anxiety, sweating, insomnia and, rarely, seizures. Tramadol withdrawal can feel like opioid withdrawal. Our doctors plan a supervised reduction suited to the medicine and dose.

Nurses monitor the patient around the clock during the first days. Our psychiatrist treats anxiety, low mood or sleep problems that come up as the dose falls.

Therapy then covers why the person started, what triggers use and how to deal with easy access once home. Families learn how to keep medicines safe and what to do if strips appear again.

Why mixing medicines is dangerous

Young people often take pregabalin or tramadol with other things: charas, alcohol, sleeping pills, cough syrup or heroin. Mixing them is much more dangerous than taking one alone.

Pregabalin with opioids such as tramadol or heroin increases the risk of slowed breathing and overdose. Tramadol taken in large amounts can also cause seizures, especially when mixed with some other medicines.

If you find someone very drowsy, breathing slowly, confused or having a fit, call 1122 straight away.

Because of these risks, our doctors ask about every substance and medicine on admission, including ones families may not know about. Please bring any strips, bottles or syrups you find, so the plan is safe.

How long treatment takes

Length depends on the dose and on other substances. Some people need a short residential stay followed by outpatient care. Heavy or combined use usually needs the full residential program.

Pregabalin and tramadol misuse is also common in people who started with a real prescription for pain, nerve problems or anxiety. If that is your situation, our psychiatrist will look at the original problem too, so that stopping the medicine does not leave it untreated.

What families can do

• Do not stop the medicine suddenly at home after heavy use.
• Collect strips and boxes so the doctor knows the exact medicine and dose.
• Keep all medicines at home locked and counted.
• Talk to him calmly. Many young people do not see medicines as a drug.
• Ask our team about safe admission if he refuses.

Who will care for your loved one

Next steps

• Supervised DetoxSafe, monitored withdrawal as the first part of treatment.
• Residential Program (3–6 months)A live-in program combining medical, psychological and recovery care.
• Rehab fees and roomsFrom PKR 120,000 a month
• How admission worksNine steps, from first call to discharge