Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lyrica (pregabalin)?
Lyrica (pregabalin) can cause side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, and slowed reaction time, which alcohol can also worsen. Combining alcohol with Lyrica can increase impairment and raise the risk of accidents or falls because both substances can depress the nervous system and affect coordination and alertness [1].
What happens if you mix Lyrica and alcohol?
People who combine them may notice stronger effects than expected, including more pronounced drowsiness and dizziness, and worse balance or coordination [1]. For some patients, that can translate into a higher chance of driving/operating machinery incidents, falls, or other injuries.
Who is at higher risk?
The risk is higher if you:
- drink more than a small amount of alcohol (binge drinking increases impairment)
- take other medicines that also cause drowsiness (for example, opioids or sedatives)
- have conditions that already affect balance, cognition, or breathing
- are older, because these side effects can hit harder [1]
Can “a little alcohol” be okay?
Because both alcohol and Lyrica can impair alertness and coordination, “a little” can still increase drowsiness and dizziness for some people. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol or follow your prescriber’s specific guidance for your dose and situation [1].
What should you do if you already drank?
If you’ve taken Lyrica and drank alcohol, avoid driving and do not operate machinery until the alcohol effect is clearly gone and you feel fully steady/alert. If you feel unusually sedated, confused, or have trouble staying awake, seek medical help promptly [1].
Are there warning labels or official guidance?
Drug labeling and clinical guidance generally warn that Lyrica can cause dizziness and drowsiness and that alcohol may worsen these effects, advising caution and avoiding activities requiring alertness [1].
Sources:
[1] Drug information for Lyrica (pregabalin) referencing sedation/dizziness and caution with alcohol (DrugPatentWatch.com): https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/