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Clinical resource

Pregabalin and Alcohol

As mentioned earlier, alcohol and pregabalin can prove to be a lethal combination. Abusing pregabalin on its own can have devastating side effects, but mixing it with alcohol seems to be stepping it up a few notches.

Written by THE BALANCE

Clinically reviewed byDr. Sarah Boss, MD
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Quick Summary

  • Pregabalin treats nerve pain and certain seizures. Dependence and addiction are distinct risks that may occur even with prescribed use.
  • Combining pregabalin with alcohol can intensify nervous-system depression, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties.
  • People who drink regularly or are concerned about dependence should consult their physician, as abruptly stopping pregabalin may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic or anti-convulsant drug. It acts as a painkiller relieving pain caused by nerve damage. Certain types of seizures are also treated with pregabalin. The common brand name for pregabalin is ‘Lyrica’. Pregabalin addiction can occur even with prescribed use. Physical dependence is a separate risk and does not by itself establish addiction. 

It is a prescription drug and thus is only sold when prescribed to a person. Being a prescription drug, there are set doses for it, determined by the physician on cases to case basis. This means, consuming the drug in an exceeding quantity could be dangerous. Higher doses run the risk of addiction and drug abuse. One may develop dependence as well. Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects. Warnings related to suicidal thoughts are also given related to pregabalin, as it could induce such thoughts. 

Side Effects of mixing Tramadol and Alcohol UK

More serious side effects include depression and anxiety, panic attacks, and even heart problems. These side effects can be further amplified if pregabalin is taken along with alcohol. We will assess this lethal combination in more detail within this article. We will glance at whether or not Lyrica and alcohol can be combined, and if not, then what are the reasons. Further, we will highlight the side effects are potential dangers of mixing the two. Lastly, we will consider the likelihood of developing drug dependency caused by pregabalin. 

As mentioned earlier, alcohol and pregabalin can prove to be a lethal combination. Abusing pregabalin on its own can have devastating side effects, but mixing it with alcohol seems to be stepping it up a few notches. The dangers of pregabalin abuse multiply and risks increase if the two drugs are combined. Even consuming a very small quantity of alcohol is enough to bring out the worst in pregabalin, and pose danger. 

Alcohol is one of the most common depressants of the nervous system. Pregabalin also works as a depressant. Combining two depressant drugs is very dangerous as it can ultimately lead to organ failure and death. When the two are combined, they increase each other’s depressing powers and can hinder the organ systems fatally. 

Alcohol is usually consumed in order to cope with psychological stress. However, it also carries the risk of suicidal thoughts. Similarly, one of the side effects of Lyrica abuse includes suicidal thoughts. New or worsening suicidal thoughts require urgent professional help. If there is immediate danger or the person cannot stay safe, call local emergency services. 

Pregabalin Addiction and Overdose Effects in the UK

One of the warnings that come with pregabalin is that it must not be consumed with alcohol. If you’re an alcoholic or have a history of drinking, it is strongly advised that you ensure your physician is aware of this fact and allow him/her to assist you. You must consult with your doctor if you drink regularly, and have been prescribed Lyrica. 

Because Lyrica is now a common prescription drug, and alcohol is a commonly consumed drink, many people do not even consider the possibility of side effects. It does not even cross their minds as to what the consequences can be, and thus, being utterly oblivious, they can end up in a life-threatening situation, or a drug abuse problem at the very least.

Let us now look at the dangerous consequences of consuming this mixture, that has been warned against. Even if we consider the least dangerous scenario of mixing the two, the risks of dizziness and drowsiness are increased. The two can also lead to respiratory issues. 

Other possible side effects of mixing the two include:

  • Reduced alertness
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips: stop pregabalin and seek emergency care immediately
  • Slow or difficult breathing, or inability to wake: call emergency services immediately

With the sedative effect of each drug being increased due to each other, slow breathing can be life-threatening and requires an immediate call to emergency services. It can also cause sleeplessness, which could affect the everyday life of the user. Not getting enough sleep, combined with other possible side effects, could lead to difficulties in practical life, such as poor performance at work, issues with family and friends, etc.

Pregabalin can cause physical dependence even when taken as prescribed. Withdrawal after reducing or stopping it does not by itself mean addiction or a lack of willpower. Do not increase the dose yourself or stop abruptly; agree on a gradual, individualized reduction with the prescriber when appropriate.

So the risk of dependence and withdrawal, combined with the alarming side effects, reflects the serious dangers that are attached to mixing pregabalin (Lyrica) and alcohol. 

Pregabalin’s adverse effects on the nervous system i.e. such as dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating, might be exacerbated by alcohol. Some people may also have difficulty thinking and making decisions. Avoid alcohol while taking pregabalin. Pregabalin should not be used over the authorized amount, and you should avoid tasks that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating dangerous machinery, until you have a better understanding of how the drug affects you.

There is no universal safe interval for drinking alcohol after pregabalin. Its removal depends particularly on kidney function, and 33 hours does not mean it is completely eliminated or that drinking is safe. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist about your situation; do not skip or stop doses in order to drink.

Pregabalin has useful medical indications, but dependence and addiction can occur with prescribed use as well as misuse. Physical dependence is adaptation that can produce withdrawal; addiction involves impaired control and continued use despite harm. Becoming accustomed to treatment alone does not establish addiction.

Dangers of Mixing Sleeping Pills and Alcohol UK

The mechanisms of dependence are unknown, although they may have direct or indirect effects on the dopaminergic “reward” system. Nonetheless, because of its faster absorption and potency, pregabalin appears to have a higher risk of abuse; Its CNS depressive effects may interact with those of other CNS depressants.

Tolerance can develop during repeated pregabalin use. Withdrawal may occur after a rapid dose reduction or stopping, including after prescribed use. Historical reports of misuse and dependence include: 

  • Due to the danger of abuse and/or dependency, the United States classified pregabalin as a controlled drug in 2005.
  • Concerns regarding the danger of misusing or becoming addicted to pregabalin were raised in Europe since 2008.
  • According to a retrospective review of German data, incidents of pregabalin misuse/dependence were documented as early as 2008.
  • Pregabalin and its possible role in drug-related fatalities in Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom were reported to the EMCDDA Early Warning System in 2009.

There are nonetheless ways to get rid of the addiction.

Treatment for Dependence

  • Look for signs of psychological and physical dependency, as well as withdrawal symptoms and co-morbid disorders including neuropathic pain and anxiety disorder.
  • Discontinuation: agree on gradual dose reductions tailored to your dose, duration of treatment and symptoms; the prescriber may adjust or pause the taper.
  • Do not self-treat pregabalin withdrawal with benzodiazepines or alcohol; discuss symptoms and support with the prescriber.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alzain the same as pregabalin? 
Alzain is another brand name for the drug pregabalin. Like Lyrica, pregabalin is also sold as Alzain, and is used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also a prescription drug, having the same side effects, dangers and warnings are the same as for other pregabalin medicines such as Lyrica. 
How to stop taking pregabalin? 
Regular pregabalin use can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal after reducing or stopping it is not by itself addiction. Discuss a plan with the prescriber rather than stopping abruptly. 
When stopping is appropriate, gradual dose reductions and continuing clinical support can help manage withdrawal and the condition being treated. The plan should be individualized and adjusted if symptoms are difficult to tolerate.
Withdrawal timing and severity vary, and not everyone follows two distinct stages. Seek urgent medical advice for severe symptoms; seizures, breathing difficulty or inability to wake require emergency help.
Stopping is not a test of willpower. Keep in contact with the prescriber and use emotional and practical support as needed. Severe allergic swelling is an exception to a routine taper: stop the medicine and seek emergency care immediately.

Editorial evidence

Evidence & sources

Selected clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and public-health sources used in this article.

01Cochrane. (2019). Pregabalin for neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Library.View source
02National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Suicide prevention. National Institutes of Health.View source
03National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Benzodiazepines and opioids. National Institutes of Health.View source
View all 13 sourcesShow fewer sources
04Evoy, K. E., Morrison, M. D., & Saklad, S. R. (2017). Abuse and misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin. Drugs.View source
05World Health Organization. (2023). Alcohol. WHO.View source
06National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Pregabalin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.View source
07MedlinePlus. (2024). Pregabalin. National Library of Medicine.View source
08National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). Alcoholu2019s effects on the body. National Institutes of Health.View source
09Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Substance use and mental health. SAMHSA.View source
10National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Neuropathic pain in adults: Pharmacological management in non-specialist settings. NICE.View source
11European Medicines Agency. (2023). Lyrica (pregabalin). EMA.View source
12National Health Service. (2024). Pregabalin: About pregabalin. NHS.View source
13National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Harmful interactions: Mixing alcohol with medicines. National Institutes of Health.View source
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Sister topics

Clinical resourceTramadol and AlcoholExplore →Clinical resourceLyrica (Pregabalin): Dependence, Misuse and AddictionExplore →Clinical resourceSleeping Pills and AlcoholExplore →Clinical resourceAlcohol And Drug DetoxExplore →Clinical resourceThe Biology of AddictionExplore →Clinical resourceCo-codamol and AlcoholExplore →
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