Can Lyrica (pregabalin) raise heart rate?
Lyrica (pregabalin) can cause side effects that may feel like a faster heartbeat in some people. Reported effects include dizziness and palpitations, which can be associated with an increased heart rate (or the sensation of it). However, high heart rate is not listed as a common, specific “typical” effect for everyone, and the overall risk varies by the person and their other medications/conditions.
What symptoms would count as “high heart rate” on Lyrica?
People typically describe “high heart rate” as:
- Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Feeling a fluttering or pounding pulse
If your heart rate is truly high (for example, sustained tachycardia) or you feel unwell, it’s important to check your pulse and seek medical advice promptly—especially if symptoms are new after starting or changing the dose.
When should you get urgent help?
Get urgent care or call emergency services if you have high heart rate symptoms along with any of the following:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat that doesn’t settle
- Severe weakness or confusion
Who is more likely to notice heart-rate changes?
Heart-rate symptoms may be more noticeable if you:
- Are sensitive to pregabalin side effects (like dizziness)
- Have underlying heart rhythm problems
- Take other medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure
- Have dehydration, fever, anemia, or recent illness (all of which can raise heart rate independently)
What should you do if you notice a fast heart rate after starting Lyrica?
- Don’t stop Lyrica suddenly without medical guidance.
- Contact your prescriber to discuss the symptom and whether dose adjustment is needed.
- If the fast heart rate is sustained or accompanied by red-flag symptoms, get urgent evaluation.
Drug information source
DrugPatentWatch.com doesn’t typically list side effects like heart-rate changes in the way a prescribing label does, so it may not be the best source for this specific symptom. For the most accurate side-effect information, the prescribing information for pregabalin is usually the right reference.
Sources: None provided.