Side Effects, Interactions & Risks
Did you know that mixing alcohol and any prescription medication can have detrimental side effects? This is why it is so important for you to learn about the medication you have prescribed, and discuss any concerns with your doctor, prior to taking it.
If you drink regularly and have been prescribed Lyrica, also called pregabalin, make sure to speak to your doctor about any possible side effects or interactions that may result.
Today, Lyrica is a common prescription medication and one many people don’t consider as being inherently dangerous. However, mixing it with alcohol could not only be dangerous but may even become life-threatening.
Learn more about Lyrica here, as well as the protentional interactions, side effects, and blackout likelihood when mixing it with alcohol consumption.
Mixing Alcohol and Lyrica (Pregabalin)
In addition to negatively interacting with some opioids, Lyrica can also have side effects when mixed with alcohol. In fact, consuming alcohol while on this medication can increase the nervous system side effects. It can result in increased drowsiness, dizziness and cause concentration issues.
Additionally, the combination of Lyrica and alcohol may depress the central nervous system, slowing your breathing when combined, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Combining Lyrica and other medications, including alcohol and muscle relaxers, can increase the sedating effects it has.
Other side effects that the combination of alcohol and Lyrica may cause include:
- Reduced alertness
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the throat, tongue, and lips
- Issues breathing
It is advised to avoid using alcohol while taking pregabalin, and abstain from driving any heavy machinery if you do. Also, if a person believes they have to have alcohol, they need to discuss this with their doctor, before starting Lyrica, or any other medication for that matter.
What is Lyrica (Pregabalin)?
Lyrica is used for treating several conditions and symptoms. It is classified as an anti-seizure or anticonvulsant medication and works by slowing down the impulses in the brand involved with causing seizures. It can also affect the chemicals that cause pain signals.
Some of the main reasons this medication is prescribed are if a person suffers from neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia or epilepsy. Additionally, pregabalin can be used for treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Summing Up Side Effects, Interactions, and Blackouts of Mixing Alcohol and Lyrica (Pregabalin)
Lyrica can be extremely beneficial in preventing seizures and helping with neuropathic pain, along with several other conditions. However, if someone mixes Lyrica with alcohol, it can result in serious side effects and negative outcomes. This is why most doctors will recommend that users abstain from any alcohol use while on this medication.
The fact is, Lyrica is a medication that affects a user’s brain. Alcohol also affects the brain. As a result, when these substances are used together, it can cause serious problems. Additionally, alcohol can also make the symptoms of underlying mental health conditions, and serious side effects worse. This is yet another reason you should avoid Lyrica and alcohol consumption.
Is Lyrica a Controlled Substance?
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.