النهار

As you walk through Lyon streets, you can easily spot people with suspicious behaviors. They keep their head and eye level low to become unnoticeable, and no one is aware of the small silver pack of two tightly given to another hand for only 5 euros. The star of this trade is Pregabalin, often known as Lyrica, which is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and nerve pain. The traffickers, who are illegal immigrants, split the city into zones, preventing anyone from selling outside of their designated area. Their sales approach revolves around the slogan "No worry, be happy," telling potential customers that they would never become addicted, that there are no adverse effects, and, most importantly, that happiness is guaranteed. Apparently, they are convincing people enough since the sales ratio is one client every two minutes. Yes, you can read well. All of these people are leaping into a black hole of unknowns, consuming dosages without the guidance of a doctor. The question that is on everyone's mind is: How come in France, where flu medications require a medical prescription, such pills may be purchased at local pharmacies and sold on the streets?! The answer is simple: chain work. In other words, the patient, who is obviously close to the traffickers, receives social security benefits, so he visits the doctor and requests that he prescribe this medication for his constant worry. The prescription is protected and mailed to the pharmacy, so there is no confusion about the intention. Not to mention that many pharmacists are skeptical of this type of prescription because it has nothing to do with the patient's symptoms, yet they are unable to refuse it. The next step will be for the traffickers to buy this box from the patient for 60 euros and sell it for 160 euros, which is more than enough to put food on the table, even if it means ruining other people's lives. The mental and physical harm these "illegal patients" suffer from is unimaginable; we're talking about taking up to ten tablets per day, whereas two is the maximum allowed amount according to medical guidelines. Overdose can cause hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or even suicide.