Pregabalin And Alcohol

Pregabalin is a prescription medication that was approved by the FDA in 2004. Whereas 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 important 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 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 not aware of the risk of combining these substances. With no awareness of the potential risk, 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.

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.

Central nervous system depression – Alcohol and Pregabalin can both depress the CNS. Combining both of them can cause excessive CNS  depression, potentially leading to respiratory distress or even coma in some situations.

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 from one another, 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.

If you’re someone gaining weight after taking pregabalin then we have a detailed blog on the link between Pregabalin intake and weight gain that will help you to better understand this common side effect of the medication.

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 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 [3].

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.

Although combining pregabalin with alcohol is not recommended, pregabalin alone is an effective and powerful medication to treat fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and seizures. If you’re someone suffering from any of these conditions, then you can check out our pregabalin category page to understand Pregabalin in depth.

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 [4].

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.