Can you drink alcohol while taking Lyrica (pregabalin)?
Lyrica (pregabalin) can make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded, and alcohol can do the same. Using them together increases the chance of excessive sedation and impaired coordination, which can make activities like driving or operating machinery unsafe.[1]
What risks go up when Lyrica and alcohol are combined?
Mixing alcohol with Lyrica raises the risk of:
- Stronger drowsiness or sedation than either one alone.[1]
- Poor balance, dizziness, and slower reaction time (higher fall risk and accident risk).[1]
- Worsened effects on thinking and memory.[1]
Is it ever “safe,” even a small amount?
There is no alcohol “safe dose” that is proven safe with Lyrica in the information provided here. Because both can depress the central nervous system, the general guidance is to avoid alcohol while taking Lyrica, or at least not drink without asking your prescriber/pharmacist first.[1]
Who should be extra cautious?
You should be especially careful (and talk to your clinician first) if you:
- Use other medicines that cause drowsiness (for example, opioids, sleep medicines, benzodiazepines).
- Have breathing problems, severe sleep apnea, or other neurologic or balance issues.
- Are older or at higher risk for falls.[1]
What should you do if you already drank?
If you drank and feel unusually sleepy, dizzy, confused, or unsteady, don’t drive and avoid hazardous activities. If you have severe symptoms (for example, trouble staying awake), get urgent medical help.
Sources
- DrugSafetyInformation for Lyrica (pregabalin) (alcohol interaction guidance). https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/alcohol-lyrica-3568364/