Pregabalin, commonly known by its commercial name Lyrica or Lyrica CR, is a prescription medication with versatile applications. While it effectively treats conditions like anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain, and seizures, it also carries the potential for misuse and addiction. In this informative blog post, we aim to educate you about the proper use of pregabalin and shed light on its addictive properties. We’ll also provide essential information about common side effects and how to seek help for pregabalin addiction.
What is Lyrica and How is it Used?
Pregabalin is a medication used to treat various conditions, including seizures, anxiety-related disorders, and neuropathic pain. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, or oral solutions and is taken orally.
What is Lyrica?
Lyrica, originally approved as an anticonvulsant, serves to treat individuals experiencing seizures. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to reduce the brain impulses that contribute to certain seizure types. Subsequently, Lyrica’s role expanded to pain management. It operates by altering brain chemicals that send pain signals across the nervous system, proving effective in treating specific pain types.
Lyrica’s Role in Pain Reduction
Unlike some prescription drugs known for their high addiction potential and euphoria-inducing effects, Lyrica’s primary action is not to elicit euphoria. Instead, it significantly relaxes its users. Abuse of Lyrica may stem from its pain-reducing properties and the mild relaxation it offers, which can result in a subtle high.
Insights into Lyrica Abuse
The evidence for a chemical addiction to Lyrica is limited, yet the risk of developing a psychological dependence cannot be overlooked. Commonly referred to as the “new Valium” for its ability to promote a relaxed and peaceful state similar to that of other sedatives or alcohol, Lyrica (pregabalin) has also been abused for the mild high it can induce.
A common query is whether Lyrica (Pregabalin) abuse mirrors the sensation of opiate abuse. While Lyrica does not induce the intense euphoria associated with opiates, it does produce a sense of relaxation akin to that experienced with certain drugs like valium.
Lyrica comes in the form of a tablet that may be taken orally once or several times a day, depending on the type of pain a person is experiencing and how their doctor prescribes it. When it is abused, its side effects are intensified, which can lead to serious medical problems like abnormal bleeding, bruising, muscle weakness, fever, or swelling of the extremities.
Some people may also experience serious side effects like depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Lyrica, so it’s very important to only take this drug under the direct supervision of your doctor. Although it is only legally available with a prescription, some people may get it elsewhere and abuse Lyrica for the euphoric and calming feelings it provides.
Is Lyrica Addictive?
Yes, Lyrica can be addictive. Lyrica is a Schedule V drug and a controlled substance because some people may experience feelings of euphoria when they take it. It also creates feelings of calmness and euphoria that are said to be similar to the effects of diazepam (Valium) or alcohol, which may increase the likelihood of abuse, dependence, and addiction.
Common Uses of Pregabalin:
- Seizure Treatment: Pregabalin is approved for the treatment of partial-onset seizures when used in combination with other antiepileptic drugs.
- Neuropathic Pain: It is effective in treating nerve-related pain caused by conditions like diabetes or chronic alcoholism.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: It helps alleviate the intense fear and worry associated with this condition.
- Preoperative Anxiety Disorder: It can be used as a pre-operative treatment to reduce anxiety before surgery.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Pregabalin is a promising treatment for social anxiety disorder, aiding individuals in managing their anxiety in social situations.
- Low Back Pain & Migraines: Pregabalin can also provide relief for chronic lower back pain and migraines.
Understanding Pregabalin’s Effects:
Substances offer therapeutic effects such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and seizure control. However, it can also lead to side effects, both common and potentially fatal.
Common Side Effects of Lyrica (Pregabalin):
- Drowsiness
- Headaches or dizziness
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Peripheral edema (swelling)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea
These common side effects are generally well-tolerated but should be reported to a healthcare professional if they become distressing.
Potentially Fatal Side Effects:
- Hypersensitivity or severe allergic reactions
- Respiratory depression (slow breathing)
- Changes in heart rate or rhythm
- Suicidal thoughts
- Severe skin reactions
- Fever with flu-like symptoms
- Unexplained fluid retention
While these potentially fatal side effects are rare, they require immediate medical attention if experienced.
Special Precautions When Taking Pregabalin:
- Potential drug interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.
- Addictive potential: It is classified as low-risk for addiction but it can be misused recreationally.
- Hypersensitivity or severe allergic reactions: Be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity and seek medical help if they occur.
- Special dietary restrictions: Follow any specific dietary guidelines recommended by your doctor.
- Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not double the dose if it’s close to the next scheduled one.
- Length of effect: The effects last for about six hours, so plan your activities accordingly.
Understanding Pregabalin Addiction:
Pregabalin, the active ingredient in Lyrica, works to relieve nerve pain by blocking the transmission of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain and increasing levels of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid). This combined effect makes the user feel mellow and relaxed, and it’s responsible for Lyrica’s abuse potential.
GABA is one of the brain’s primary neurotransmitters that help to control anxiety and stress response. Elevated levels of GABA help to suppress some functions of the central nervous system (CNS), reducing activity such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, all of which are increased by stress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a high dose of pregabalin might induce effects comparable to those associated with diazepam (Valium), which is another common drug of abuse. The high may be mild when taken alone, but Lyrica is frequently abused with other drugs, including opioids and alcohol.
Lyrica can be misused by taking the drug too frequently, in higher doses than required, without a prescription, or for any non-medical reasons.
Common Causes of Pregabalin Addiction:
Repeated, long-term use of Lyrica can result in the development of tolerance, which means the person will need to take increasing amounts of the drug for it to induce the desired effects. The way Lyrica interposes and interacts with chemical messengers in the brain can result in physical drug dependence in addition to psychological dependence.
- Accessibility to the medication
- History of drug abuse
- Peer pressure
- Escaping life problems
- Severe mental health issues
Mixing Pregabalin with Other Substances:
Combining pregabalin with alcohol or other drugs can amplify its effects and lead to dangerous consequences. It’s important to avoid such combinations.
Mixing Pregabalin and Alcohol
Mixing Pregabalin with alcohol can lead to serious health risks due to their synergistic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Both substances are CNS depressants, which means they slow down brain activity. When taken together, their sedative effects are enhanced, potentially leading to extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognitive functions. This heightened sedation is not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous, particularly if it involves activities requiring alertness, like driving.
Side Effects of mixing Pregabalin with Alcohol
The mixture of alcohol and Pregabalin can amplify each other’s side effects. Individuals may experience increased levels of disorientation, confusion, and even memory problems. There’s also a significant risk of respiratory depression, where breathing becomes shallow and insufficient, a condition that can be life-threatening.
Mental and Physical Health symptoms of mixing Pregabalin with Alcohol
The combination can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health. From a mental health perspective, it can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression, conditions often present in individuals prescribed Pregabalin. Physically, the strain on the liver and other organs increases, as both substances are metabolized through the liver, potentially leading to liver damage over time.
Mixing Pregabalin Lyrica and Weed
Mixing Pregabalin Lyrica with weed intensifies the central nervous system depressant effects of both substances. Cannabis, like Pregabalin, can have sedative effects, and when used together, these effects are compounded. This combination can lead to increased drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills. It also heightens the risk of experiencing disorienting psychoactive effects, which can be particularly distressing and potentially dangerous.
Myth Versus Reality
There’s a common misconception that combining Pregabalin with cannabis is safe or that it can enhance the therapeutic effects of either substance. However, this is not supported by medical evidence. In fact, the interaction can unpredictably alter the effects of both, potentially leading to adverse reactions. Users might believe they are enhancing their relaxation or pain relief, but in reality, they are increasing their risk of negative side effects.
Mixing Pregabalin with Opioids
Enhanced Risk of Adverse Effects of Mixing Pregabalin with Opioids
The combination of Pregabalin with opioids is particularly concerning due to the enhanced risk of severe side effects. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, and their concurrent use can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, and even coma. The risk of overdose is significantly heightened when these drugs are used together, a concern that is increasingly relevant given the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Addiction and Dependency when Mixing Pregabalin with Opioids
Using Pregabalin in conjunction with opioids also raises serious concerns regarding addiction and dependency. Both drugs have addictive potential, and their combined use can lead to a faster development of tolerance and dependency. This situation often results in a vicious cycle where individuals require higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of overdose and long-term health complications.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Pregabalin Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms typically emerge within a day or two after discontinuation and can vary in severity. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia, often accompanied by mood swings and irritability. In more severe cases, individuals may experience symptoms such as seizures, especially if the drug is discontinued abruptly after prolonged use. These withdrawal symptoms underscore the importance of medical supervision when discontinuing pregabalin, especially for those who have used it long-term or at high doses.
The management of withdrawal typically involves a gradual tapering off the medication to mitigate these symptoms effectively.
Street Names , Slang For Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Budweisers: This nickname possibly derives from its capsule form or its relaxing effects, drawing a parallel to the effects of alcohol.
- Vitamin P: Referring to its generic name, pregabalin, this street name is often used casually among recreational users.
- Pfizers: Named after Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Lyrica, this street name is a direct reference to its origin.
- Budweiser: Similar to ‘Budweisers’, this name might be used to denote its sedative effects which some might find comparable to alcohol.
- P-Gab: A shortened form of its generic name, pregabalin, ‘P-Gab’ is a more colloquial term used informally.
Treatment Options for Pregabalin Addiction:
Treatment for addiction is available and includes:
- Medication detoxification
- Dependency recovery programs
- Support groups
- Detox and treatment programs
Find Recovery at Still Detox
Still Detox Boca Raton Florida is dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming pregabalin addiction. Our all-encompassing programs include detoxification, therapy, and unwavering support to lead you on the path to recovery. Contact Still Detox Boca Raton Florida today and embark on your journey to a healthier future.
