Concerns raised over “coffin tablet” on Dublin streets

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews has raised concerns about the prevalence of a prescription drug known as the “coffin tablet” on Dublin streets. 

The Fianna Fáil MEP has called on the government to urgently reclassify pregabalin, a prescription drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and nerve pain, as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

“Known as the ‘coffin tablet’, pregabalin can be bought on the streets of Dublin for as little as €1. A recent study by the RCSI has found the drug present in 1 in 16 post-mortem toxicology tests.  It’s been described abroad as the new OxyContin,” MEP Andrews explained.

The Coroners Society of Ireland has appealed to the HSE to reclassify pregabalin due to its misuse and widespread availability on the streets.

Andrews emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “While the drug serves legitimate medical purposes, its growing presence on the streets demands immediate attention. Given the drug is referred to as the ‘coffin tablet’, it is worrying that action has not been taken sooner.

“Pregabalin is being used as a mixer in a cocktail of drugs, placing severe risk of an overdose on users.  Given how cheap it is, its popularity is set to increase. This is why we need to nip it in the bud before it takes over our streets.

“Pregabalin has been compared to OxyContin in the United States. This should immediately ring alarm bells within government given the devastating impact Oxy has had on communities across the US. This cannot be allowed to happen in Dublin. Restricting access to this drug is a simple step we can take to make Dublin streets safer.”

Pointing to Northern Ireland’s move in 2019 to elevate pregabalin to a class C drug, Andrews remarked, “Northern Ireland acknowledged the dangers associated with pregabalin years ago, enacting legislation to rightfully criminalise its possession without a prescription, as well as its supply or sale to others. It’s imperative that we mirror this approach and take similar action without further delay.”

While acknowledging pregabalin’s legitimate medical usage, Andrews cautioned users to exercise vigilance in safeguarding the drug. “I am urging families who may have this medication on prescription in their homes to be very wary of young people seeking to experiment with its effects.”