Pregabalin, commonly known as ‘Ghode wale capsules’, is the new go-to drug for the drug addicts of Punjab.
Available for just rupees four per capsule, ‘Ghode wale capsules’ is also known as ‘Signature.’ Signature is a recreational drug used to treat neuropathic pain in horses when humans take doses above 75mg they feel high and elevated.
However, long-term use leads to seizures, damage to the nervous system, and multiple health problems. Centre approved using Pregabalin for humans in 2005 to treat partial seizures, alcohol and opioid withdrawals, and anxiety disorder.
The Pregabalin, or ‘Signature’ do-not fall under the National Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, so the use of ‘Ghode wale capsules’ is not punishable under the law.
A research paper published in 2022 titled ‘Pregabalin Use/Misuse: A source of concentration in Western Punjab' read that there are no stats for deaths due to overdose of Pregabalin because nobody is doing blood tests on the use of Pregabalin in India.
But the increased use of the 300 mg tablets of 'Ghode wale capsules' or Pregabalin by drug addicts prompted the Mansa administration to prohibit the sale of these tablets above 75mg without a prescription. The order by the administration read that there will be a ban on Pregabalin above 75mg."
In-charge of Outpatient opioid-assisted treatment (OOAT) says there are 8,000 drug addicts registered in 12 OOAT centers.
Currently, the district police have seized 2,605 tablets of Pregabalin 300 mg, in two raids carried out on May 9 and June 15.
The President of the Chemist Association of Mansa says that the misuse of these capsules started during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. The Bathinda Chemist Association also instructed chemist stores not to sell the drugs without a medical prescription.
Since then, several chemist associations have joined state Health Minister Balbir Singh to impose a statewide ban on Pregabalin or Ghode wale capsules or Signature.
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