In a concerning development, an anti-anxiety medication, pregabalin, has been associated with thousands of deaths in the past five years, according to reports. Pregabalin, a drug prescribed for various conditions including anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain, has been linked to 3,400 deaths in Britain alone.

Initially licensed in 2004 for epilepsy treatment, pregabalin gradually gained popularity in the past decade as specialists began prescribing it off-label to individuals suffering from anxiety. However, numerous cases have emerged where individuals experienced adverse effects, including dependency, mood swings, thoughts of suicide, and compromised vision.

One tragic case highlighted the dangers of pregabalin when Alex Xottam lost his life to a fatal overdose. Although he was initially prescribed the medication, the order was subsequently cancelled by his doctor, leading him to purchase it and other drugs online. Alex's grieving mother, Michelle, has expressed her frustration, stating that her son was unable to break free from the strong grip of pregabalin addiction. She questions the lack of proper warnings to patients about its potential for addiction, wondering how many more lives will be affected.

Miranda Levy, who shared her personal experience, revealed the withdrawal symptoms she faced after trying to wean herself off pregabalin. Originally prescribed to alleviate anxiety caused by her marriage breakdown, Levy described feeling queasy, dizzy, and experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms. Experts have likened pregabalin to "the new Valium" due to its potential for dependence and withdrawal effects.

Despite the growing evidence and concerns surrounding pregabalin, the drug continued to be prescribed for anxiety, even though the NHS was aware of its harmful effects. Notably, heavy marketing campaigns targeting psychiatrists were carried out by pharmaceutical companies upon its launch.

Several medical professionals have previously voiced their concerns about the misuse of pregabalin. Dr. Peter Gordon, a just-retired consultant psychiatrist, highlighted the prescription of pregabalin for anxiety treatment despite the known risks observed in the United States. Glasgow GP Des Spence also raised the alarm about the abuse potential of pregabalin and gabapentin, another drug in the same class, in a 2013 column.

The recent revelations highlight the urgent need for further examination of pregabalin's risks and the responsible prescribing of the medication. As investigations continue, medical authorities and policymakers must carefully consider the potential dangers associated with this widely prescribed drug to prevent further harm to individuals seeking relief from anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain.