Have you ever received a new medication and needed to educate yourself on the possible side effects of the drug? Have you ever taken an antibiotic and been required to refrain from drinking alcohol while on the course of the medication?
This is because most drugs do not mix well with the contents of alcohol and can cause significant damage to the body when consumed together. Lyrica (generic name pregabalin) is no exception, and medical professionals strongly discourage consuming alcohol while taking Lyrica.
What is Lyrica?
“Lyrica [pregabalin] was originally FDA approved as an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.” In other words, it helps to calm overactive nerves that cause pain and/or discomfort.
Lyrica is now also commonly used to treat nerve pain as a possible symptom of diabetes, shingles or spinal cord injury. Practitioners also prescribe it to help address pain experienced by fibromyalgia.
How does Lyrica work?
The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for transferring pain signals through the body and, when overactive, for seizure activity. Lyrica works by minimizing the release of chemicals that register pain, thereby reducing the pain level the nervous system registers.
It also helps calm those neuropathways susceptible to seizure activity. It thus reduces convulsions overall: “It is believed that pregabalin also blocks abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures, which slows down the spread of seizures.”
What are the possible adverse side effects of taking Lyrica?
As with any medication, there are certain risks associated with certain drugs. With Lyrica, these side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing and facial swelling
- Changes in mood, including depression, anxiety, irritability or panic
- Increased appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
Not everyone who takes Lyrica will experience these side effects, and most individuals will not have a severe allergic reaction. However, it is essential to speak with your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions and be aware of their possible appearance.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Lyrica?
Lyrica is one of those medications that negatively interacts with alcohol because alcohol can worsen the side effects of Lyrica. When consuming alcohol, one may experience dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and trouble concentrating. As these are all potential side effects of Lyrica, they may be caused or worsened in the presence of alcohol.
For this reason, medical doctors strongly advise against drinking alcohol while on Lyrica.
Is Lyrica addictive?
Lyrica can become addictive if the prescription instructions are not followed and Lyrica is taken in higher, more frequent doses than prescribed or taken for any reason other than addressing the symptoms of the medical condition it was prescribed to treat.
Lyrica may also present unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if stopped without proper weaning. Those with seizures may experience more convulsive symptoms if they stop taking their medication as prescribed. Additionally, if Lyrica is used for an extended period, tolerance may occur and you may need a higher dose to feel the same effects.
While not everyone who uses Lyrica for its intended use is guaranteed to develop tolerance, it is an essential factor to note to encourage safe consumption and use of the drug. However, the risk of abuse still exists.
Lyrica may be abused to feel euphoria, relaxation or a sense of calm, and this can be increased dangerously by combining it with alcohol consumption. However, as the essential signals of the central nervous system are dulled as a response to this onslaught of chemicals, one is at a significantly increased risk of overdose.
Do you need help managing prescription and substance use?
There is no denying that men and women who have had challenges with substance use/abuse in their history are at an increased risk of abusing prescription medication or other addictive substances. While Lyrica is not as addicting as other prescriptions, it can still present complications, especially if consumed in combination with alcohol.
Suppose you are struggling with drinking while on your prescription. Help is available. To get in touch with a mental health professional who can help you towards healthy living, contact Bluff Augusta by calling to learn more.
