Can mixing pregabalin with alcohol cause coma?
Yes. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a medicine that can depress the nervous system. Alcohol also depresses the nervous system. Using them together can significantly increase the risk of severe sedation, loss of coordination, breathing problems, and in extreme cases coma.
Even if the amount seems small (“2 shots”), alcohol plus pregabalin can still hit people differently depending on:
- your pregabalin dose and timing (how recently you took it)
- how much alcohol you drank and how quickly
- body size, tolerance, and other medicines/drugs taken the same day
- whether you have breathing problems or other medical conditions
What symptoms mean it’s an emergency right now?
If you have taken pregabalin and alcohol and you’re worried about “slipping into a coma,” treat these as emergency warning signs, especially if they’re getting worse:
- very hard to wake up, confusion, or passing out
- slow or difficult breathing, choking/gurgling sounds
- blue/gray lips or skin
- repeated vomiting with drowsiness (aspiration risk)
- severe unsteadiness or inability to walk safely
If any of these are happening, call emergency services now (911/999/112 depending on your country). Do not wait to “see if it passes.”
How quickly can this happen after drinking?
Sedation from pregabalin and alcohol can build over hours. The risk is typically highest after alcohol is consumed and while pregabalin is still active in your system. “After 2 shots” could still be enough time for serious effects in some people, especially if you recently took pregabalin or took a higher dose.
What should you do right now?
- Do not take any more pregabalin and do not drink more alcohol.
- Stay with someone who can monitor you (or someone who can call for help if you worsen).
- Do not drive.
- If you feel very drowsy, are hard to keep awake, or have breathing trouble, get emergency help immediately.
Does dizziness alone mean coma is inevitable?
No. Dizziness and sleepiness can happen, but they don’t automatically mean coma. Still, dizziness after mixing pregabalin and alcohol can be a sign the combination is affecting your brain and balance more than expected. Worsening sleepiness, trouble speaking, or trouble staying awake are more concerning.
When can it be safer to wait?
Only if you are fully alert, breathing normally, and symptoms are mild and clearly improving over time. If you cannot clearly stay awake and respond normally, treat it as an emergency.
If you tell me:
1) your pregabalin dose (mg) and what time you took it,
2) how long ago you had the 2 shots, and
3) whether you’re able to stay awake and breathe normally,
I can help you judge the urgency—but if you’re already feeling very drowsy or struggling to stay awake, call emergency services now.