Lyrica (pregabalin) and benzodiazepines are both commonly used to treat anxiety and other related conditions. However, there are concerns about the safety of taking these two medications together for a long time.
Lyrica is a medication that is used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders. It works by reducing the number of pain signals sent by damaged nerves in the body. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, are a class of drugs that are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps to calm the nervous system.
According to the drug patent watch website [1], there are no known interactions between Lyrica and benzodiazepines. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that it is safe to take these medications together.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology [3] found that taking Lyrica and benzodiazepines together can increase the risk of respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when breathing slows down too much. The study also found that taking these medications together can increase the risk of sedation and cognitive impairment.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice [2] found that long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. The study also found that benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
In conclusion, while there are no known interactions between Lyrica and benzodiazepines, there are concerns about the safety of taking these medications together for a long time. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking these medications together and should only take them as prescribed. It is also important to monitor for any side effects and to report them to a healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LYRICA
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21334859/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699256/