Mixing Pregabalin and Alcohol: Risks, Side Effects and Addiction

Mixing pregabalin and alcohol is far riskier than many people realise. Both substances depress the central nervous system, which means combining them can amplify side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed breathing. In serious cases, the interaction can lead to overdose, hospitalisation, or even death.

Even if you drink occasionally, it’s important to understand how alcohol reacts with pregabalin (also known as Lyrica) and why doctors strongly advise against combining them. This guide explains the risks, answers common questions like “How long after taking pregabalin can I drink alcohol?”, and outlines safe steps if you’re struggling with either substance. If you feel you may be dependent on alcohol, pregabalin or both, call 01721 546 263 for confidential rehab treatment support today.

Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol if You’re Taking Lyrica?

No, mixing alcohol with Lyrica (pregabalin) is not considered safe. Both substances depress the central nervous system, meaning that when taken together, they can greatly intensify side effects such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and impaired coordination. This raises the risk of falls, accidents and dangerous interactions even if only a small amount of alcohol is consumed.

The combination also increases the likelihood of serious health complications, including respiratory depression, coma and in extreme cases, death. For people prescribed Lyrica for anxiety, epilepsy or nerve pain, alcohol can also reduce the medication’s effectiveness and trigger withdrawal or breakthrough symptoms. To minimise risks, medical advice is always to avoid alcohol altogether while taking Lyrica.

Side Effects of Mixing Pregabalin and Alcohol

Many people prescribed pregabalin (Lyrica) don’t realise how important it is to take the medication exactly as directed. This includes avoiding other substances, particularly alcohol, which can change the way pregabalin works in the body and greatly increase health risks.

Because pregabalin is known to be addictive, combining it with alcohol can heighten dependence and trigger a cycle of dangerous side effects. From dizziness and confusion to respiratory issues and overdose, the risks of mixing alcohol and pregabalin should not be underestimated. Always speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about interactions before drinking while on this medication. Common side effects of taking pregabalin with alcohol include:

• Impaired judgement
• Sleepiness, Poor coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Sedation, Reduced alertness
• Itching and/or hives
• Swelling of the throat, tongue and lips

Whilst some of these symptoms on their own might not be enough to alarm you, it’s important to consider the seriousness of experiencing any of these side effects while driving, bathing or any other activity that would put your and other people’s lives in danger.

The role of pregabalin in the body is to prevent nerve pain by interfering with pain messages sent from the brain, and it’s actually the reduction in neuron messages to the central nervous system that leads to Pregabalin’s therapeutic effects as well as its efficiency in controlling seizures and pain.

A dose of around 50 mg and 75 mg is thought to be the minimum dose required to experience any kind of effect. However, mixing this with alcohol means you will experience a far more intense reaction along with side effects, even if your dose is small. 

Some of the information about drinking alcohol with pregabalin is quite unclear, so if you’re someone who has been prescribed pregabalin, you must remember to speak with your doctor if you intend to drink alcohol while you’re on medication.

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How Do Alcohol and Anticonvulsant Drugs Affect the Body?

Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify the effects of pregabalin (Lyrica), changing how it impacts your body and brain. Both substances are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down vital functions like breathing and heart rate. When combined, the risks don’t just add up – they multiply. Users may experience stronger highs, but also severe side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and an increased chance of overdose.

Mixing alcohol and pregabalin raises the risk of respiratory failure, coma, or even death. Regular use together also makes long-term dependence far more likely due to the strong euphoria caused by their interaction. If you’re drinking while on pregabalin, or know someone who is, it’s vital to recognise the dangers and seek help. Call 01721 546 263 for confidential advice about safe treatment options for you or someone you know.

Can Alcohol and Pregabalin Affect Your Breathing?

Anticonvulsants like pregabalin are considered much safer than opioids for long-term use, which is why they’re being used to treat many types of chronic pain. However, in 2017, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency issued a warning about pregabalin causing “respiratory depression.”

Respiratory depression occurs when your breathing becomes so slow and shallow that you end up with too much carbon dioxide in your blood and not enough oxygen, which can be fatal. There is no evidence to suggest whether alcohol impacts this reaction in any way, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, you could be having an allergic reaction or experiencing respiratory depression.

Seek help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• You develop a rash on your skin that is itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling
• You’re wheezing
• You feel a tightness in your chest or throat
• You have trouble breathing or talking
• Your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

What Should You Do if You Have Taken Pregabalin With Alcohol?

If you’ve mixed pregabalin and alcohol, it’s important not to ignore the potential risks. Both are central nervous system depressants, and even small amounts together can cause dangerous side effects like dizziness, slowed breathing, or confusion. Always check the patient information leaflet for guidance and follow the advice of your prescribing doctor.

If you’re unsure or if you’ve already combined alcohol with pregabalin, seek professional medical advice straight away. Be open and honest about how much you’ve taken and any other substances involved, as this information helps healthcare staff give you the safest, most effective care and could prevent serious complications.

Can Pregabalin Be Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction?

There have been several studies that detail the use of pregabalin as an effective treatment source for alcohol detox, as it has been proven to minimise cravings as well as insomnia, anxiety and other physical aspects that come with the withdrawal stage. However, this must not be taken as something you will be able to manage individually.

It is critical medical advice that you do not try and detox or use prescription drugs without the intervention of doctors or psychiatrists. This is because it opens the door for more harmful potential misuse, which can lead to more serious psychological as well as physical addictions.

Here at Castle Craig, we have specially trained psychiatrists and doctors who will know how to manage your detox or withdrawal process, so if you need help, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Getting Professional Help for Alcohol and Prescription Sedative Dependence

Rehab treatment for alcohol and pregabalin dependence will differ slightly from treating a single addiction, as there are more aspects to consider. There is a possibility you might experience uncomfortable alcohol and pregabalin withdrawal symptoms, and for this reason, drug and alcohol rehab is considered the safest way to treat alcohol and pregabalin dependence.

Whilst common but effective therapeutic techniques like CBT and EMDR are used widely to treat a variety of drug addiction issues, actually treating your psychological addiction as well as a physical one will entirely depend on a treatment plan put together by our Medical Director, who would have reviewed your case individually and will oversee your treatment and recovery at Castle Craig.

Whilst drug addiction symptoms are seen similarly across large groups of people, other co-occurring issues will need to be diagnosed, such as PTSD, personality disorders or depression to put together an accurate and effective rehab treatment plan.

Rehab Treatment for Lyrica and Alcohol Dependence at Castle Craig

If you’re struggling with dependence on pregabalin and alcohol, professional rehab treatment offers the safest and most effective path forward. At Castle Craig, our medically managed programmes provide structured support for both substances, addressing the physical risks and the underlying psychological drivers of addiction.

We integrate your individual therapy and addiction treatment with other forms of well-known respites such as 12 steps, group therapy and other holistic forms. Throughout our many years of experience, we have found this, alongside the intervention of our professionals the most successful form of setting up our visitors with the vital skills they will need to continue their recovery upon leaving rehab.

Castle Craig has extensive experience and success in treating all types of addictions, including those with polysubstance dependence, which is usually far more complex to treat. If you’re someone who is addicted to more than one substance, the detox and recovery process may require more medical supervision, intense counselling and outpatient therapy.

Our specialist residential treatment includes:

• Medically Managed Detox: Safely managing withdrawal from pregabalin and alcohol with 24/7 medical care to reduce risks like seizures or respiratory issues.
• Dual Addiction Treatment: Tailored programmes that address dependence on both substances simultaneously, reducing relapse risk and supporting long-term recovery.
• Therapy and Counselling: A blend of individual therapy, group sessions and trauma-informed care to uncover and heal the root causes of addiction.
• Family Support Programmes: Helping loved ones understand addiction, repair relationships and create a supportive recovery environment at home.
• Aftercare Planning: Ongoing support, relapse prevention strategies and access to support groups once you leave rehab to help maintain sobriety.

Contact Castle Craig Addiction Rehab Centre

Castle Craig is located in West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH. Our serene surroundings in the Scottish Borders provide the ideal privacy for a focused recovery from pregabalin and alcohol misuse, while the secure and discreet environment supports your progress towards a healthier future.

 

CALL NOW: 01721 546 263

Pregabalin & Alcohol FAQs