Prescription Drug Lyrica Becomes Abused Party Drug in Berlin, Teen Poisoning Cases Rise

(CNA reporter Lin Shang-ying, Berlin, 19th) Germany is experiencing a phenomenon of teen abuse of the prescription drug Pregabalin (often translated as Lyrica), particularly in party-centric Berlin, where the number of poisoning cases from misuse is increasing. Experts warn that mixing Pregabalin with alcohol and other party drugs poses a fatal risk and call for increased attention to the abuse problem. The toxicology center at Berlin's Charité Hospital recently released statistics showing that local adolescent poisoning cases due to Pregabalin abuse increased from 49 in 2022 to 212 in 2025; including all age groups, poisoning cases rose from 472 to 894. The Pregabalin abuse phenomenon has drawn attention from German media. According to reports by BZ (Berliner Zeitung) and rbb (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg), Pregabalin is originally a prescription medication for treating neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety, and is also commonly used in drug addiction withdrawal therapy. Due to its sedative, relaxing, and anti-anxiety effects, some users experience feelings of euphoria and dizziness, leading it to be gradually adopted as a recreational drug by some young people in recent years. The toxicology center at Charité Hospital points out that in most hospitalized poisoning cases, patients typically consume other party drugs and alcoholic beverages in addition to Pregabalin. Marc Pestotnik, an expert at a Berlin addiction prevention agency, stated in an interview that the drug abuse phenomenon is partly influenced by American rap culture. Drugs like Xanax and Tilidin have been glorified in lyrics in recent years, which in turn affects young people's perception of prescription drugs. The Berlin drug treatment center noted that many young people casually mix drugs and alcohol at parties, lacking awareness of dosage and drug interactions. For example, combining Pregabalin with alcohol, sedatives, or opioid painkillers enhances their effects, potentially leading to respiratory depression, circulatory failure, coma, or even death. An investigation by Berliner Zeitung revealed that although Pregabalin is a prescription drug in Germany, it has already flowed into the black market in large quantities. In addition to street dealing and illegal online platforms, Telegram groups have also become a channel for drug distribution. Furthermore, a Berlin family doctor told Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg that a phenomenon has emerged where some patients visit multiple clinics in a short period to repeatedly obtain Pregabalin prescriptions. In response to the significant increase in Pregabalin poisoning cases, the addiction prevention center has called for