Does Lyrica (pregabalin) change heart rate?
Lyrica (pregabalin) can affect heart-related symptoms in some people, which may include changes in heart rate. Reported cardiovascular effects in prescribing information and post-marketing reports can include palpitations and tachycardia (fast heart rate), though not every patient will experience them.
The main practical point is that if you notice a new or worsening rapid heartbeat, skipped beats, or palpitations after starting Lyrica (or after a dose change), you should contact a clinician promptly for assessment.
What heart-rate symptoms should I watch for?
People commonly notice these as “heart rate” problems:
- Palpitations (feeling your heart racing, pounding, or irregular)
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness along with a fast heart rate
Some symptoms can overlap with other issues (dehydration, anxiety, anemia, thyroid problems, medication interactions). If symptoms are severe, persistent, or come with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, treat it as urgent.
Is the risk higher in certain people?
Heart-rate or rhythm symptoms may be more likely if you have:
- Baseline heart disease or a history of rhythm problems
- Low blood pressure (pregabalin can contribute to dizziness)
- Other medications that affect heart rate or rhythm
- Higher doses, faster dose increases, or kidney impairment (which can increase drug exposure)
Clinicians often adjust dosing in kidney impairment because pregabalin levels can rise when the kidneys clear it more slowly.
Can stopping or changing the dose affect heart rate?
Yes. Both starting Lyrica and changing the dose can change how your body responds. If heart-rate symptoms appear after a dose increase, they may lessen when the dose is reduced or the drug is stopped, but you should not adjust dosing on your own—talk with the prescriber so they can manage withdrawal risk and reassess the plan.
When is it an emergency?
Seek emergency care if a rapid/abnormal heartbeat comes with any of the following:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips, hives, trouble breathing)
What should I do if Lyrica seems to raise my heart rate?
- Check whether the timing lines up with starting Lyrica or a recent dose change.
- Contact your prescriber, especially if palpitations are new, worsening, or recurrent.
- Avoid adding other stimulants (like extra caffeine or decongestants) until you’ve discussed symptoms with your clinician, since they can also raise heart rate.
If you tell me your dose (mg), when you started Lyrica, your approximate heart rate during symptoms, and any other meds you take, I can help you think through which patterns are most concerning and what questions to ask your doctor.