Can Lyrica (pregabalin) cause tachycardia?
Yes. Lyrica (pregabalin) can cause cardiovascular side effects in some people, including an increased heart rate (tachycardia). Reported effects include palpitations and fast heartbeat, which are symptoms patients may describe as tachycardia.
What do patients usually notice?
People who experience this may report palpitations, a racing or pounding heartbeat, or feeling their heart rate is faster than usual. If tachycardia comes with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or new irregular heartbeat, it needs urgent medical evaluation.
Who might be more likely to get heart-rate side effects?
Risk can be higher if you take Lyrica along with other medicines that affect heart rhythm or blood pressure, or if you have underlying heart disease. Dose increases can also make side effects more likely in general, since side effects may rise as exposure increases.
When to contact a clinician
Contact a clinician promptly if you develop new or persistent tachycardia/palpitations after starting Lyrica or after a dose change. They may decide to adjust the dose, switch therapy, or check you for other causes (for example, dehydration, anemia, thyroid problems, drug interactions, or stimulant use).
Could it be something other than Lyrica?
Yes. Fast heart rate can happen for many reasons, including anxiety, illness/fever, caffeine/nicotine, withdrawal from sedatives, dehydration, or other medications. Clinicians typically look at the timing (whether symptoms started after Lyrica or a dose change) and rule out other causes.
What about safer alternatives?
If tachycardia is a clear, recurring side effect, your clinician may consider changing the dose, slowing the titration, or switching to another medication for the condition Lyrica was prescribed for (for example, gabapentin, depending on your situation). The best option depends on why you’re taking Lyrica (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, seizures, etc.).
Sources
- Drug label information via DrugPatentWatch.com (Lyrica/pregabalin)