Hyderabad: Easy access to pharmaceutical drugs designed to alleviate pain for various medical conditions, is becoming a cause for concern, say medical experts. Reason: these drugs contain substances that fuel addiction among the younger lot.
When TOI visited a few pharmaceutical stores, it found that barring the more potent drugs like Alprazolam (Xanax) and psychiatric medications like Clonazepam and Olanzapine, drugs such as Pregabalin and Gabapentin could be easily bought over the counter, without a prescription. And they cost no more than 100 (avg) per strip of 10 tablets.
Praneeth Kumar, who runs a rehabilitation centre in Dammaiguda, said that cases of youngsters abusing painkillers are increasing by the day. He also explained how these medicines carry the potential of becoming gateway drugs. “Many people addicted to them started using these drugs for legitimate medical reasons. But eventually, they developed a dependency due to their easy availability and lack of proper monitoring,” said Kumar adding, “These can also be mixed with other drugs such as ganja to increase the high and cause their dependency to worsen.”
The psychological and physiological impact of pharmaceutical drug abuse cannot be overlooked, said Dr Mamta Jain a clinical psychologist. Stating that the drugs are new, but the trend is old, she added, “Earlier too people used to form habits with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. People used to eat Iodex and Amrutanjan balms, overuse Saridon, and smell thinners. It also used to be socially acceptable and was a cost-effective way to find relaxation.”
Speaking about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) inhibitors (it is chemical present in these drugs) which affect the central nervous system, Dr Jain said, “These drugs have a very calming effect, and it is very easy to develop dependency. Long-term use of such drugs can affect liver and kidney function and cause chemical and hormonal imbalances in the body.”
Pharmacists, therefore, play a crucial role in preventing the misuse, experts say. “It is our responsibility to ensure that prescription drugs are dispensed only to those who genuinely need them. No prescription, no painkillers,” said a pharmacist from Secunderabad.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has acknowledged that while the issue may not be as prevalent in the state compared to other parts of India, they are taking proactive measures to tackle the problem. “We are conducting decoy operations to identify pharmacies that are dispensing drugs without proper prescriptions,” said VB Kamalasan Reddy, director general of the DCA.
