New data reveals the true extent of the side effects and illegal sales of an anti-anxiety medication, as 1 in 5 Brits admit to having purchased prescription-only drugs via the black market.
Pregabalin is a prescription drug used to treat conditions including epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety. But despite the drug’s benefits, it has been linked to several deaths in the UK and is increasingly being sold and bought illegally, bypassing strict regulatory safety standards.
The data was obtained by Midland Health, a private healthcare provider which also provides addiction recovery support, through a Freedom of Information request asking for the number of reports received from the MHRA about pregabalin side effects since 2010 and the number of doses seized by the authority since 2021.
Midland Health uncovered that there have been 8,003,286 doses of pregabalin seized since 2021, and a total of 85 deaths, where pregabalin is the only suspect drug, have been reported since 2010, including 16 in 2025 alone.
The findings come after a recent BBC undercover investigation exposed how prescription drugs, including pregabalin, were being sold in local high street shops.
Speaking on the findings, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is warning the public of the dangers of unregulated prescription drugs and shares the side effects of pregabalin to watch out for.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “The sheer number of unregulated drugs seized is extremely worrying, and as not every dose can feasibly be seized, the true amount of unregulated pregabalin on the market should be expected to be much higher.
“The black market for prescription drugs is more common than many people realise, particularly as shortages and online access make it easier for people to look for medication elsewhere. But while these drugs may be easy to buy, I would strongly warn against purchasing medication from unregulated sources. When you bypass proper safety checks, you have no guarantee of what you are taking. These drugs may contain unsafe ingredients, incorrect doses, or substances that could cause serious side effects.
“As with any medication, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and know what it should and shouldn’t be taken with. Common side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, weight gain and swelling are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and should ease within a few weeks.
“More serious reactions, including muscle weakness, constipation or suicidal ideation, are less common but require immediate medical attention. It’s also important to be aware that taking this medication with alcohol or opioids can increase the risk of potentially dangerous breathing difficulties.
“Pregabalin also comes with a severe risk of dependence and addiction, causing withdrawal symptoms if a dose is missed or if the medication is stopped abruptly, even at lesser doses. This makes obtaining the medication illegally even more dangerous, as if your supply suddenly stops, the withdrawal could cause you symptoms like intense anxiety, shaking, and palpitations.
“The risks that come with taking these types of drugs without a GP’s approval and prescription outweigh any benefits massively. And by buying drugs on the black market, you’re not just putting yourself at risk; you’re contributing to an illegal trade that continuously puts profit over people.
“If you are worried about your use of pregabalin or any other prescription medication, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and support is available. Dependence can happen gradually, and asking for help is a positive first step. Your GP can provide confidential advice, help you reduce medication safely and refer you to local drug, alcohol or mental health services if needed. Charities, support services, counsellors and specialist addiction services can also provide non-judgemental help for anyone struggling with dependence, withdrawal or unsafe medication use.”
