Can pregabalin raise heart rate?
Pregabalin can cause cardiovascular side effects in some people, including an increased heart rate (tachycardia). Rates vary by study and patient group, but it is recognized as a possible side effect rather than an effect that happens to everyone.
What other heart-related symptoms should you watch for?
People taking pregabalin may also notice symptoms that can come with a faster pulse, such as:
- palpitations
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- feeling faint
If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sustained rapid heartbeat, seek urgent medical care.
Who is more likely to notice it?
The risk of heart-rate changes may be higher if you have:
- a pre-existing heart rhythm problem
- significant dehydration, low blood pressure, or other underlying illness
- other medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure
Could it be withdrawal or an interaction with other medicines?
A heart-rate increase can also be seen if pregabalin is started, dose is changed, or (less commonly) if it’s stopped abruptly. Interactions can matter too: other drugs that influence the cardiovascular system (or medications that change how pregabalin is cleared indirectly) can increase the chance of side effects.
What should you do if your heart rate increases after starting pregabalin?
- Check your pulse and note when it happens (after the dose, at rest vs. activity).
- Contact your prescriber, especially if the increase is persistent or uncomfortable.
- Do not stop pregabalin suddenly without medical guidance, since abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.
If you share your dose, how long you’ve been taking it, your age, and whether you have any heart history, I can help you think through how likely this is and what questions to ask your clinician.