Can you drink alcohol with Pregabalin (Lyrica)?
Here is what the FDA-approved label for Pregabalin (Lyrica) actually says about alcohol — transcribed, not a secondhand guess.
Pregabalin and alcohol, from the label
The label addresses ethanol under Drug Interactions. When pregabalin was co-administered with ethanol (as well as oxycodone or lorazepam), additive effects on cognitive and gross motor functioning were seen, though no pharmacokinetic interaction and no clinically important effects on respiration were observed in those studies. Pregabalin is a CNS-active drug, and the Warnings section separately notes respiratory depression can occur when it is used with other CNS depressants. Combining pregabalin with alcohol can therefore compound impairment of thinking and coordination.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol while taking Pregabalin?
The label flags caution rather than an outright ban. Pregabalin and alcohol can add up (summarized above), so if you drink, do so carefully and know your own tolerance — and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines.
How long after Pregabalin can you drink alcohol?
There is no single number that fits every drug, and the safe gap depends on why the two interact — a drug that adds to alcohol's sedation is a concern while it is still in your system, while a disulfiram-type reaction (like metronidazole's) is avoided during treatment and for a labeled period after the last dose. Follow the specific guidance above and ask the prescriber who wrote the prescription; do not guess a window.
What happens if you drink on Pregabalin?
The specific effect is described above, from the label. In most cases it means additive drowsiness and impaired coordination, or added strain on an organ the drug already affects — worse with more alcohol and in older adults. If you feel unwell after mixing the two, stop drinking and seek advice; call 911 for trouble breathing, fainting, or a rapid irregular heartbeat.
More guides for Pregabalin
Source
Other drugs: Alprazolam · Baclofen · Bupropion · Buspirone · Clonazepam · Clonidine · Cyclobenzaprine · Diazepam · Duloxetine · Fluoxetine · Hydrocodone · Hydroxyzine · Lorazepam · Methylphenidate · all drugs.
The alcohol interaction is transcribed from this drug’s FDA-approved label. This is general reference information, not medical advice. If you drink and take medication regularly, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific situation.