The Hidden Crisis of Prescription Drug Misuse
The line between medical treatment and substance abuse is becoming increasingly blurred. A recent incident in Maharashtra’s Thane highlights a disturbing trend: the misuse of medications designed for nerve pain as tools for intoxication.
In a case that captured public attention, a 22-year-old laborer from Nepal, Sameer Rajendra Rawal, was found in a severely disoriented state. While social media was quick to label the cause as a “zombie drug,” police investigations revealed a more grounded but equally alarming reality—an overdose of Pregabalin.
When Nerve Pain Medicine Becomes a Tool for Intoxication
Pregabalin is typically prescribed to treat nerve pain and seizures. However, as seen in the case of Rawal, who had been addicted for two years, the drug is being sought out for its intoxicating effects. Rawal reported purchasing strips of 10 tablets for approximately Rs 100.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Adil Chagla warns that these drugs affect sensations in the nervous system. Without proper medical supervision, misuse can be dangerous, as the medication alters critical neurological functions.
The Danger of “Zombie Drug” Narratives
The speed of social media often outpaces the speed of factual investigation. When a video of Rawal standing in a dizzy condition in Bhayander went viral on April 15, rumors of a “zombie drug” spread rapidly across platforms.
This trend of “viral misinformation” creates public panic and obscures the actual problem: the accessibility of prescription medications. The police eventually debunked these claims, confirming that the disorientation was the result of excessive consumption of a legal, albeit restricted, medicine.
The Regulatory Gap in Pharmacy Sales
The most concerning trend revealed in recent investigations is the systemic failure of pharmacy regulations. A sting operation in Mumbai’s Mira Road–Bhayandar area discovered that multiple medical stores were openly selling Pregabalin without prescriptions.
Reporters found that simply showing the name of the medicine on a mobile phone was sufficient for purchase. In one instance, a shopkeeper even suggested taking four 75 mg tablets as an alternative to a 300 mg dose, demonstrating a casual approach to dispensing potent neurological drugs.
The Legal Consequences of Illegal Dispensing
The ease of access to these drugs has real-world consequences. Following the investigation into Rawal’s case, the Thane Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a report seeking action against the medical shop owner who sold the tablets without a prescription. Reports indicate the chemist has since shut their shop and is on the run.
This highlights a critical need for ethical responsibility among chemists. As Dr. Adil Chagla emphasized, a person’s life is directly associated with the tablet they are sold.
For more on healthcare regulations, visit India Today’s investigative report or check our internal guides on medication safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pregabalin and what is it used for?
Pregabalin is a medicine used to treat nerve pain and seizures by affecting sensations in the nervous system.
Why was the man in the Thane video called a “zombie”?
Rumors on social media claimed he was under the influence of a “zombie drug” due to his disoriented state, but police later clarified it was a Pregabalin overdose.
Can Pregabalin be bought without a prescription in India?
Legally, no. It is a Schedule H drug and requires a prescription from a registered doctor. However, sting operations have shown some pharmacies illegally sell it over-the-counter.
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