Lyrica: Why Is It a Controlled Substance?
You are here:The prescription drug, Lyrica (pregabalin), is a Schedule V controlled substance. This means it has a low potential for abuse and physiological dependence, according to the DEA. Although Lyrica is not an opioid, it can be addictive, and high doses can lead to overdose.
If you or someone you love uses Lyrica, here are some things you need to know.
What Is Lyrica?
Lyrica was developed by Pfizer to treat epilepsy. However, it may be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety and seizures. As an anticonvulsant, It is also used to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia, herpes zoster (shingles), and diabetic neuropathy.
Lyrica (pregabalin) comes in tablet or capsule form and can be taken orally. However, liquid form is also available. Typical Lyrica dosages include:
- 82.5, 165 mg, or 330 mg extended-release tablets
- 25mg to 300 mg capsules
- 20 mg/mL oral solution
Generally, the maximum dosage is less than 600 milligrams daily. Taking more than this amount can lead to an overdose.
Drug interactions are possible when using Lyrica along with diabetes drugs or ACE inhibitor drugs.
People with a history of substance misuse should not take Lyrica due to the risks of developing a dependence on the drug. Self-medicating with Lyrica can also lead to dependence or addiction in people with mental health disorders.
How Does It Work?
Lyrica works in the central nervous system (CNS) to calm overactive nerves. It reduces the release of chemicals that signal pain. A common use of Lyrica is to prevent seizures from starting since it slows down the brain’s impulses. Lyrica is called “budweiser” because a person feels relaxed, calm, and euphoric after misusing the drug.
Do People Use Lyrica to Get High?
Lyrica can be an effective substance when used as prescribed. However, like many other prescription drugs, people misuse them to get high. Studies show that 40% to 65% of people who have a prescription for Lyrica abuse the drug. Furthermore, people who abuse opioids are 15% to 22% more likely to abuse Lyrica.
The main reason people abuse Lyrica is for the euphoric effects, to increase the effects of methadone, or to ease opioid withdrawals. Others mix Lyrica with opioids like Heroin to enhance its impact. Any time you combine substances, you run the risk of experiencing dangerous side effects.
Lyrica Side Effects
People with health problems such as heart, kidney, or lung disease may experience worse side effects than other individuals using Lyrica. Those addicted to alcohol or drugs should also avoid using Lyrica because of the risk of worsening side effects.
Common Lyrica side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
- Fluid retention
Several serious side effects can occur, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Additionally, some people experience severe allergic reactions to Lyrica such as difficulty breathing, blisters on the skin, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face, swollen lymph nodes, stomach cramps, joint pain, and racing heart.
Signs of Addiction
More than 1,601,090 people in the US were prescribed Lyrica in 2022. About 22 percent of people in rehab centers misused the drug. With these high numbers, it’s no surprise that many thousands of people developed an addiction to Lyrica (pregabalin).
Even when using Lyrica as prescribed, tolerance and dependence can develop. Strong withdrawal symptoms motivate a person to seek more of the drug.
The signs of Lyrica addiction are similar to any other addiction:
- Needing more of the drug to get the desired effect.
- Inability to stop using even though you want to stop.
- Thinking about the drug and figuring out ways to get more.
- Lack of interest in things you once enjoyed.
- Lying or stealing to obtain more of the drug.
- Changes in mood and personality.
- Difficulties in your relationships.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
- Neglecting physical hygiene.
- Hiding or hoarding the pills.
If you misuse the drug, coming off of it can present complex and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Sweating
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Headaches
Experts suggest tapering off the drug gradually to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Your physician can work with you to determine an appropriate tapering schedule. However, if you are addicted to Lyrica, professional addiction treatment is your best chance of safe and lasting recovery.
Signs of Overdose
The more Lyrica a person takes, the more it takes to produce the desired effects. With increased dosage, or in combination with other drugs, the follow overdose symptoms can occur:
- Reduced consciousness
- Mood swings, depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Confusion, agitation
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Irregular blood pressure and heart rate
Treating overdose may involve stomach pumping, medications to alleviate high blood pressure, and fluid replacement. If opioids are also present, Naloxone may be administered. However, Naloxone will not reverse the effects of the non-opioid, Lyrica.
Treatment for Lyrica Addiction at Design for Change Recovery
People who use prescription drugs don’t anticipate becoming addicted. But, it can happen gradually, and soon become uncontrollable. When this happens, professional addiction treatment is the best option.
At Design for Change, we ensure safe, effective detox in a secure, comforting environment. After detox, we provide a full continuum of care on a short-term or long-term basis. Our levels of care include outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, intensive inpatient, partial hospitalization, and aftercare services. Our compassionate treatment advisors are here to create the individualized treatment plan you need.
Reach out to our Lancaster, CA facility to speak with a treatment specialist. You’ll learn more about our fully licensed, JCAHO-accredited programs. We’ll also verify your insurance to help you get the highest quality treatment.
Lyrica is a controlled substance because it can be life-altering and potentially deadly. Today is the best time to start living without Lyrica in control. We are waiting to hear from you.
Sources:
dea.gov/ – Drug Scheduling
mayoclinic.org/– Pregabalin (Oral Route) Side Effects
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – How addictive are gabapentin and pregabalin? A systematic review
clincalc.com/– Pregabalin Drug Usage Statistics United States
