Pregabalin And Alcohol

Pregabalin is an analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic medication prescribed by healthcare providers to treat epilepsy, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and generalized anxiety disorder. Its use was approved by the FDA in 2004. It is sold under brand names like Lyrica and Nervigesic.

Alcohol is a beverage that contains ethanol. It is made by fermenting fruits, sugar, and grains.

When mixed or combined, these two substances can have numerous effects and interactions on the body.

It is essential to have a clear understanding of the potential effects and precautions associated with the combination of Pregabalin and alcohol to make informed decisions about their use.

Can You Mix Pregabalin And Alcohol?

No, combining alcohol and Pregabalin is not recommended. Prescribing doctors usually advise against the use of Pregabalin and alcohol as it could lead to several side effects [1].

Why Do People Mix Alcohol And Pregabalin?

Below, we have discussed some of the reasons why people might combine the common analgesic medication Pregabalin and alcohol.

Euphoria – Lyrica can have a calming effect, and some people might seek to enhance this effect with alcohol for relaxation or euphoria.

Lack of awareness – Many people are unaware of the risk of combining these substances. With no understanding of the potential danger, they combine Pregabalin and alcohol and suffer from unwanted side effects.

Self-medication – Some people use alcohol to enhance the effects of Pregabalin or to avoid side effects like insomnia or anxiety.

The Risk Associated With Pregabalin And Alcohol Interaction

Pregabalin, when interacted with alcohol, can cause various side effects such as –

Increased sleepiness – Both these substances can cause sleepiness and impair cognitive function. When taken together, these effects can intensify, making it risky to engage in activities such as operating machinery or driving.

Impaired judgment – Alcohol can impair judgment in people, and when combined with Pregabalin, decision-making abilities may be further compromised, leading to risky or dangerous behaviors.

Respiratory depression – Combining Pregabalin and alcohol can lead to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or even stops sometimes. This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death in some cases.

Discover everything you need to know about respiratory depression, including its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, by exploring Medical News Today’s detailed article.

Other side effects – Pregabain and alcohol can also cause side effects like confusion, coordination problems, and dizziness.  When used together, these adverse events may intensify and become more difficult to manage.

It is crucial to understand that individual body chemistry differs, and the effects of combining these substances may vary from person to person [2].

Other side effects of Pregabalin that one should consider include sleepiness, dizziness, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, swelling of your feet or hands, and weight gain.

Even though combining Pregabalin and alcohol has various negative effects, it is important to note that Pregabalin alone is a very effective medication. Visit our category page on Pregabalin pain medication to get detailed information.

How Long After Taking Pregabalin Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol?

Waiting to consume alcohol after taking Pregabalin can vary depending on various factors. Some of these factors include –

Individual metabolism – Every person has a unique metabolism, which can impact how quickly medicines are processed in the body. Some people metabolize Pregabalin faster, while others may take longer.

Dosage – The higher the dosage of Pregabalin, the longer you should wait before drinking alcohol. Higher doses of Pregabalin take longer to metabolize and clear from the body. Therefore, it is crucial to wait a sufficient amount of time before drinking alcohol.

Existing medical ailments – Certain medical conditions can negatively impact the metabolism and elimination of Pregabalin. People with kidney and liver diseases may need to wait longer before consuming alcohol to prevent potential interactions or harmful effects.

Interactions with other medicines – Pregabalin may interact with other drugs, affecting the waiting period for alcohol consumption. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications being taken to ensure safe and appropriate guidance regarding the waiting period.

Recommended Waiting Time

Waiting before drinking alcohol after taking Pregabalin helps maintain your safety and well-being.

For people taking low doses of Pregabalin, a waiting time of at least 2 hours before drinking alcohol is generally recommended. This allows the initial effects of Pregabalin to wear off and reduces the risk of excessive sedation.

A longer waiting time (4 to 6 hours) may be necessary for individuals taking higher doses of Pregabalin. This long waiting period ensures that the medication has fully metabolized and reduces the potential for interactions between alcohol and Pregabalin.

It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the specific recommended waiting time based on individual circumstances. They will consider factors such as overall health, prescribed dosage, and other substances or medications used [3].

What To Do If You Have Taken Pregabalin With Alcohol?

If you’ve consumed both Pregabalin and alcohol, it’s essential to stay calm, as symptoms may not appear right away. Combining the two can intensify dizziness, so find a safe, comfortable place to rest and avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. The moment you realize you’ve mixed Pregabalin with alcohol, seek medical attention immediately.

Alcohol And Pregabalin Addiction

Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance, which means it has a very low risk of abuse potential, when a person drinks alcohol and takes a controlled drug like Pregabalin, the risk of addiction increases.

How Are Simultaneous Pregabalin And Alcohol Addictions Treated?

Pregabalin and alcohol abuse or addiction have various approaches to treatment, such as detox, rehab treatment, and aftercare.

Detox – Alcohol and Pregabalin detox helps the body get rid of the substances and break your physical dependence.

Rehab – Rehab is the process of psychotherapeutic or medical treatment for dependency on Pregabalin and alcohol.

Some of the psychotherapeutic treatment options include – family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy sessions, dialectical behavioral therapy, and individual therapy sessions.

Aftercare – Aftercare for people recovering from alcohol and Pregabalin addiction is an important part of the recovery process. Aftercare plans can include interventions, activities, and resources to help recovering individuals cope with stress, cravings, and triggers that they face after the treatment is over.

It helps to prevent relapse, maintain sobriety, and support the overall well-being of a person [4].

Other Interactions of Pregabalin

Pregabalin, when taken with other supplements or medications, can cause drug interaction. It can cause severe or major interaction with fentanyl, codeine, butorphanol, hydrocodone, alfentanil, methadone, and oxycodone. When taken with Pregabalin, these medications can cause central nervous system depression, leading to respiratory distress.

Apart from a severe drug interaction, Pregabalin can cause mild to moderate interaction with the following medications –  Mitotane, fluvoxamine, anticonvulsant, acrivastine, buspirone, and captopril.

To understand Pregabalin interactions with other substances better, explore the in-depth blog on Pregabalin interactions by Single Care.

How To Minimize Pregabalin Interactions?

Various steps can be taken to help lessen Pregabalin interactions. It is essential to keep your medical provider updated on all medical conditions and medications that you use, including over-the-counter medications, herbal products, prescription drugs, and supplements. It’s also crucial to be honest with doctors about alcohol and substance use.

Some medical ailments can help decide if a medicine will be safe or not for a person. Pregabalin must be used cautiously in people with kidney disease.

Conclusion

Mixing Lyrica and alcohol can be a serious health risk, with potential adverse events ranging from drowsiness to CNS  depression. While it might seem like the two can be useful in making each other stronger, this can be a mistake and can cause major discomfort.