The figures
Pregabalin is more popular than the comparable gabapentin, and the number of users has been increasing continuously for years.
A national figure on how many pregabalin users use longer than the guideline recommends does not exist. The Pharmacotherapeutic Compass recommends reducing use after 3 to 6 months on a trial basis if the effect is good, but how often this actually happens in practice is not recorded nationally.
The pregabalin trap
A doctor starts pregabalin against nerve pain, epilepsy or an anxiety disorder. Often a justified choice.
The drug has a calming and relaxing effect, which can feel pleasant in addition to the intended effect.
Physical dependence may develop during use. Risk varies by person and can also occur at a prescribed dose.
There is rarely a fixed moment when someone returns to the question: is this drug still necessary?
Stopping abruptly or too quickly may cause withdrawal symptoms. A prescriber should distinguish these from return of the original condition or other causes.
For those who do not have access to regular care, such as undocumented migrants or people without a permanent residence, the drug sometimes becomes illegal and without control obtained.
Dependence and misuse can occur
Official product information warns about medicine dependence and misuse. That risk should not be tied to one origin, living situation or social group: assessment and support should be individual and free from stigma.
At the start and during treatment, a clinician may ask about previous substance problems, effect, side effects and signs of dependence. This is a safety check, not a judgement about the person.
A fixed review remains useful even when pregabalin is taken as prescribed. Do not change or stop the dose on your own; an individual plan considers the medicine, dose, duration, symptoms and other medication.
Official risks
The Dutch Pharmacotherapeutic Compass and product information list dependence, misuse and withdrawal. Suitable tapering steps cannot be derived from one general time frame and should be agreed with the prescriber.
Do you recognise this pattern?
Have you or someone around you been using pregabalin for longer than intended, without checking whether it is still necessary? Share your experience. Not to appoint a doctor, but to make the pattern visible.
Justification and sources
- Zorginstituut Nederland (GIPdatabank/Zorgcijfersdatabank), 2024: 173,930 users of pregabalin (ATC N02BF02), +22.8% since 2020. Confirmed via DRUGSinfo.nl (Trimbos affiliation): approximately 174,000 users in 2024.
- Pharmacotherapeutisch Kompas / CBG patient information leaflet: official risks of dependence, abuse and withdrawal symptoms; finishing advice.
- KNMP (UA Magazine, 2025): abuse and addiction among asylum seekers and homeless migrants; robbery Service Apotheek Slotermeer.
- NOS Nieuwsuur (3-4 September 2025): reporting on pregabalin abuse among homeless people and asylum seekers, confirmation by COA.