Lyrica And Alcohol
Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • To give you an overview, here are some mind-boggling statistics: In an average year, 140,557 Americans die from the effects of alcohol [1].
  • One estimate says 40% of adults took a medication in the past year that could interact negatively with alcohol [2].
  • For example, 5–6% of people who drink regularly are prescribed a sedative-hypnotic or opioid for at least 30 days, which is a lethal combination [3].

Generally, experts recommend not mixing Pregabalin and alcohol to avoid risks. To give you an overview, here are some mind-boggling statistics:

  • In an average year, 140,557 Americans die from the effects of alcohol [1].
  • 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder [1].
  • One estimate says 40% of adults took a medication in the past year that could interact negatively with alcohol [2].
  • For example, 5–6% of people who drink regularly are prescribed a sedative-hypnotic or opioid for at least 30 days, which is a lethal combination [3].
  • For those over 65 years of age who drink alcohol, nearly 78 percent use alcohol interactive medications [4].

With that premise in perspective, an adequate period between the two gives the drug time to partially clear from your system, lessening the chance of severe side effects such as sedation or respiratory depression.

The prescription medication Lyrica or pregabalin is taken to treat nerve-related pain and seizures. It’s an anticonvulsant and is used to treat conditions like fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia. Traditional painkillers, usually, work with the nervous system, but Lyrica works with the nervous system to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions by reducing pain.

How Lyrica Works In The Body

Lyrica binds to calcium channels on nerve cells that release neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain so less of those neurotransmitters are released [5]. It relieves pain in neuropathic pain patients by calming overactive nerves. In addition, Lyrica helps control seizures in those with epilepsy by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

Lyrica is highly effective, although side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or poor coordination may occur in some people. These effects show us the importance of taking it as prescribed. Risks associated with these side effects are even greater when mixed with things such as alcohol so it is important to understand the dangers of combining these.

What Happens When You Mix Alcohol And Lyrica?

Alcohol, like Lyrica, affects your central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain function and Lyrica works by reducing nerve activity.

Both of these substances taken together can result in serious complications and amplify the effects of each of the other.

How Is Mixing Pregabalin And Alcohol Dangerous?

Respiratory depression is one of the most dangerous risks of taking Lyrica and alcohol together [6]. Both Pregabalin and Alcohol can suppress the respiratory system, making breathing less effective.

This complication can be lethal, especially for those with previous respiratory conditions or those who drink alcohol in large amounts.

Furthermore, like all nervous system depressants, alcohol will increase Lyrica’s sedative effects, rendering it more difficult to react to your environment and to remain awake. Just as a result, the combination may also affect judgment, and lead to riskier behaviors, or accidental overdose.

Because of all of these risks, healthcare providers discourage the mixing of Lyrica with alcohol. This medication should be used with caution in patients who consume alcohol, as how much a patient drinks may be dangerous to their health.

What Increases The Risk Of Mixing Alcohol And Lyrica

Several factors can increase your chance of developing problems when taking Lyrica and alcohol together. One of those is age since older adults are more likely than younger people to experience more severe side effects because their bodies metabolize drugs more slowly. People with preexisting medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, are also at risk because these organs help process both substances [4].

Another variable is how much (and how often) the alcohol was consumed. Adverse reactions can be triggered even with moderate drinking if you are taking Lyrica. Lastly, how long you have been taking Lyrica also makes a difference; those who have just started the medication may be more sensitive to alcohol interactions with the drug.

And, while some people likely can take small amounts of alcohol without a problem while on Lyrica, the results are unpredictable. The safest way to understand personal limitations and risks related to your use of alcohol is to consult a healthcare provider.

This interaction can make driving or even walking difficult and you also lose cognitive and physical abilities [6]. Furthermore, alcohol poisons the body and inhibits the ability to break down Lyrica causing an accumulation of the drug within the body. This raises the chance of side effects or complications.

Some Common Side Effects Of Combing Lyrica And Alcohol

Taking Lyrica and alcohol together can cause several side effects even at low doses. Some of the most common reactions include:

Severe drowsiness: Being unable to stay awake or feeling dizzy or unable to concentrate.

Dizziness: It contributes to a sense of imbalance that increases your risk of falls or injuries.

Blurred vision: Problems focusing or visual disturbances, which last for hours [7].

Nausea: An upset stomach that sometimes causes vomiting.

Slurred speech: Slowed or unclear (impaired coordination) brain that controls the muscles used for speech.

These side effects can get in the way of going about your normal day and doing what you need to do, like working, or socializing with others.

Severe Reactions To Lyrica And Wine Or Other Types Of Alcohol.

Mild side effects occur more often, but severe reactions can occur with the consumption of large quantities of alcohol. These include:

Blackouts: Memory loss periods when you can’t remember what happened while under the influence.

Respiratory depression: Breathing that’s either slow or shallow, and which results in the individual becoming deprived adequate of oxygen and losing consciousness [6].

Seizures: Interestingly, mixing Lyrica with alcohol can paradoxically lower the seizure threshold in people with a tendency to epilepsy.

Loss of consciousness: Fainting or becoming unresponsive unexpectedly, and needing immediate medical attention.

Lyrica And Alcohol: Fatal Outcomes

The effects of alcohol and Lyrica on the central nervous system can combine to be life-threatening. In the presence of both substances, they significantly depress brain activity and slow down critical functions such as breathing and heart rate. Respiratory arrest — when a body stops breathing altogether — can result from this, leading it to be a primary cause of deaths stemming from the letting down of this combination.

In addition, the sedative effects of Lyrica are exacerbated by alcohol, so you can easily overdose unintentionally. Just as with taking Lyrica in proper dosages on its own, alcohol can help compound the CNS assaults of such drugs. In addition, alcohol can cause people to take more Lyrica or other medicines than is advised by comprising reasoning and judgment.

How To Prevent Dangerous Situations When Using Lyrica

To help minimize the risks, people who take Lyrica should take the medication only as prescribed and avoid alcohol completely while taking the drug. You need to be open with healthcare about your drinking habits and use of drugs.

Patients should also know the early warning signs for developing complications, including extreme drowsiness, trouble breathing, or confusion. Knowing what symptoms to look out for early can prevent dangerous outcomes. If someone is thought to have overdosed there is a need for immediate medical attention, since quick intervention can save lives.

People At High Risk For Lyrica And Alcohol Problems

Some groups are more likely to get severe side effects or die from taking Lyrica and alcohol together. These include:

Older adults: Seniors are more susceptible to the depressant effects of Lyrica and alcohol because of age-related changes in metabolism.

People with respiratory conditions: If you have COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea, you have a higher risk of respiratory depression if you take Lyrica and alcohol.

Patients with liver or kidney issues: These organs are essential to Lyrica and alcohol processing. Higher concentrations of both substances in the body can result from impaired function and further ill effects from exposure.

Those with substance use disorders: Those who abuse alcohol or drugs may take Lyrica and alcohol in dangerous amounts, resulting in overdose.

Signs Of Misuse Or Overdose

It is essential to catch the misuse or overdose early before it leads to serious complications. Common signs include:

Extreme lethargy: Lack of ability to stay awake or respond to stimuli.

Severe confusion: The inability to think clearly or to recognize where you are.

Bluish skin or lips: A sign of oxygen deprivation; it may occur from slowed breathing among other reasons.

Unresponsiveness: Not waking up or reacting to something outside of you.

If you notice these signs call an emergency medical dispatcher at once. Early intervention can prevent long-term health consequences or death.

How To Take Lyrica Responsibly

To ensure safe and effective use of Lyrica, it is crucial to follow these guidelines:

Avoid Alcohol Consumption: The best way to avoid risks is not to drink alcohol when taking Lyrica. Small amounts can make side effects worse and make treatment more difficult.

Follow Prescribed Dosages: The more Lyrica you take than the recommended dose, the more likely you are to experience severe side effects and even, potentially, overdose, especially if you are drinking alcohol.

Monitor Your Body’s Response: Watch carefully how your body reacts to Lyrica. If you experience extreme drowsiness, dizziness or have difficulty breathing, report these to your healthcare provider immediately.

Be Honest with Your Doctor: Tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol. It will help them to tailor advice and to monitor your treatment more effectively.

These precautions are followed by individuals to greatly minimize the danger of taking Lyrica with alcohol.

Alternatives To Alcohol While Taking Lyrica

Living without alcohol while on Lyrica may seem challenging, especially for those accustomed to social drinking, but there are alternatives to consider:

Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Even more so, these days, many bars and restaurants are offering nonalcoholic versions of classical cocktails, that is to say, that people can go out and drink without the risks.

Herbal Teas and Infusions: Chamomile or lavender tea is a relaxing drink that doesn’t compromise medication safety.

Therapeutic Activities: Healthy stress relievers often include meditation, exercise, or creative hobbies — so there’s no need to drink to cope.

FAQs

How Long After Pregabalin Can I Drink Alcohol?
In most cases, you are advised not to drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after taking Pregabalin. It lets the medication partly clear from your system before your next dose, reducing your risk of more serious side effects, such as drowsiness and impairment of coordination. 
That said, the waiting period will depend on the dosage you take and conditions of health so talk to your doctor for personal advice.
Can Pregabalin Make You More Sensitive To Alcohol?
Yes, Pregabalin can make you more sensitive to alcohol. It is known that small amounts of alcohol can amplify the sedative Pregabalin effects leading to dizziness, impaired motor skills, and reduced cognitive function. This makes them more sensitive, and when you do things like driving, it is a huge risk.
Can Pregabalin Be Taken For Anxiety If I Drink Alcohol Occasionally?
If you have been prescribed Pregabalin for anxiety you should avoid using alcohol at all. The drug may not work properly and can increase side effects of sedation or mood changes if taken with alcohol. 
Your treatment plan should be safe and effective, so even if you rarely drink, discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider.

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