Can Lyrica Get You High?

Can you get high on Lyrica? The fact is, you can. Lyrica can cause a relaxed, euphoric feeling that some people call a “Lyrica high.” Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of serious side effects and overdose. Because it has the potential for misuse and dependence, Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Lyrica, there are signs of misuse to watch for. But first, let’s understand what Lyrica is.

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What Is Lyrica?

Lyrica is the brand name for pregabalin. The FDA approved the drug in 2004. It is used to treat certain types of nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and seizures.

So what does Lyrica help with? According to its FDA label, the drug is approved to treat:

• Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
• Nerve pain that lingers after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Nerve pain from a spinal cord injury
• Fibromyalgia
• Partial-onset seizures, taken along with other seizure drugs, in people 1 month of age and older

Doctors sometimes prescribe Lyrica for other uses, too. In the European Union, it’s also approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. That isn’t an approved use in the United States, though.

Lyrica comes as capsules in strengths ranging from 25 mg to 300 mg and as a liquid. It’s taken by mouth, with or without food. Children can take it for certain seizures. Its safety and effectiveness for other uses haven’t been established in children.

Physical dependence can develop with regular use, even when Lyrica is taken as prescribed. This is different from addiction, which involves continued use despite harmful consequences. Generic versions of pregabalin became available in the United States in 2019.

Is Lyrica a Controlled Substance?

Yes. Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance. This category has a lower potential for abuse than Schedules I through IV, which include drugs such as Xanax and oxycodone. That said, a lower risk isn’t the same as no risk.

Getting High on Lyrica: Why Do People Misuse It?

Compared to other drugs that may get you high, Lyrica has a lower risk of addiction. Even so, you can still get addicted to the drug. Some people misuse Lyrica for its relaxing or euphoric effects. Others take it with opioids or other substances to strengthen their effects. These combinations can be dangerous.

The FDA label describes a small study in which people with a history of recreational sedative use rated Lyrica’s effects similarly to those of Valium. In clinical trials involving more than 5,500 patients, 4% of people taking Lyrica reported euphoria, compared with 1% taking a placebo.

A history of substance misuse, especially opioid misuse, can increase the risk of Lyrica misuse. Some people may also take more than prescribed while trying to manage anxiety, distress, or ongoing pain.

A 2017 review examined misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin. It found that misuse was a particular concern among people with a history of substance use disorders.

Tolerance can also be part of the problem. Over time, a person may need more of the drug to feel the same effects. Taking higher doses without medical guidance increases the risk of side effects and overdose.

Lyrica Side Effects and Risks

Even at prescribed doses, Lyrica affects the brain and body. The most common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Swelling of the hands, legs, and feet
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain
• Trouble focusing

Some side effects become more likely as the dose increases. People may also feel unsteady, clumsy, or confused or have memory problems.

Lyrica can also cause serious side effects. Call 911 for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; or extreme sleepiness that makes someone difficult to wake.

Contact a healthcare professional right away if you notice:

• Hives, a rash, or blisters
• New or worsening depression, sudden mood changes, or thoughts of suicide
• Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with a fever
• New or worsening vision problems

Like other seizure drugs, Lyrica can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, call 988 or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.

There are other risks to keep in mind. Taking pregabalin during pregnancy may slightly increase the chance of birth defects. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your prescriber before making any changes. The FDA label also advises against breastfeeding while taking Lyrica.

Does Lyrica Give You Energy?

For most people, no. Lyrica is more likely to make you feel tired. In clinical trials, 23% of adults taking Lyrica felt sleepy, compared with 8% taking a placebo.

Some people may feel more active once their nerve pain eases. That doesn’t mean Lyrica acts as a stimulant.

Because Lyrica can make you dizzy and sleepy, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Mixing Lyrica With Alcohol, Opioids, and Other Drugs

Often, drug misuse happens by accident. Some people don’t realize that combining prescriptions with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous. Lyrica can cause sleepiness and slow breathing, especially when combined with opioids or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. This kind of polydrug use can be deadly.

Lyrica and Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while taking Lyrica. Alcohol can increase the drug’s effects on sleepiness, balance, and coordination.

People who drink alcohol while taking Lyrica may feel unusually sleepy, react slowly, or make poor decisions. While the substances cause similar effects on their own, when taken together, the effects become way worse. The combination can also increase the risk of dangerous breathing problems.

If you drink heavily or regularly, talk with your doctor about how to stop safely. Suddenly stopping alcohol can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Lyrica and Opioids

Combining Lyrica with opioids is especially dangerous. In 2019, the FDA warned that pregabalin and gabapentin can cause serious breathing problems, particularly when taken with opioids or other central nervous system depressants.

A 2018 Canadian study found that people prescribed both pregabalin and opioids had 68% higher adjusted odds of opioid-related death than those prescribed opioids alone. With high doses of pregabalin, the adjusted odds were about 2.5 times as high.

Learn more about the signs of an opioid overdose.

Lyrica and Other Prescriptions

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium, sleep aids, muscle relaxers, and some sedating antidepressants can increase sleepiness or other risks when taken with Lyrica.

If you take more than one prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether they’re safe together. Tell them about any over-the-counter medicines or supplements you use, too. Learn more about the dangers of mixing prescription drugs.

Can You Overdose on Lyrica?

Yes. Deaths have been reported from Lyrica overdoses, both when taken alone and with other drugs. There’s no specific antidote for a Lyrica overdose, so fast medical care is essential.

Signs of a Lyrica overdose may include:

• Extreme sleepiness or trouble staying awake
• Confusion
• Restlessness or agitation
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you think someone has overdosed, call 911 right away. If opioids may also be involved, give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it. Naloxone won’t reverse Lyrica’s effects, but it can reverse an opioid overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Can You Cut Lyrica in Half?

Standard Lyrica comes in capsules filled with powder, so it can’t be split like a tablet. Don’t try to divide the powder to adjust your dose. Your doctor can prescribe a different strength or the liquid form if needed.

If you take Lyrica CR, the extended-release tablet, swallow it whole. Don’t split, crush, or chew it.

What Are the Signs of Lyrica Addiction?

Taking Lyrica regularly can lead to physical dependence. This means your body has adapted to the drug, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop. Dependence and tolerance alone don’t mean someone has an addiction.

Signs of possible Lyrica misuse or addiction include:

• Taking more than prescribed or taking it more often
• Taking it to get high
• Mixing it with alcohol or other drugs to strengthen its effects
• Running out of a prescription early or seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
• Taking medication that belongs to someone else
• Continuing to use it despite problems with health, work, or relationships
• Trying to cut back but being unable to do so

Needing higher doses or having withdrawal symptoms after missing a dose should also be discussed with a prescriber.

If a loved one takes Lyrica, you might notice sleepiness, slurred speech, or stumbling. These can be side effects and don’t prove misuse on their own. Pulling away from friends or losing interest in usual activities may also be reasons to check in.

Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms

You shouldn’t stop taking Lyrica suddenly. The symptoms of withdrawal aren’t pleasant, and abruptly stopping the drug can increase seizure frequency in people with seizure disorders.

Lyrica withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Headaches
• Anxiety or agitation
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Depression or thoughts of suicide

The FDA says Lyrica should be tapered gradually over at least one week. Some people may need a slower plan. Your doctor will set a schedule based on your dose, how long you’ve taken it, and your symptoms. Don’t try to taper on your own.

If you also use alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, tell your treatment provider. Withdrawal from multiple substances may require closer monitoring or medically supervised care.

Getting Help for Lyrica Misuse

Lyrica addiction is treatable. Treatment may include a medically supervised taper, therapy, and a plan to manage pain or anxiety. If opioids or other substances are also involved, treatment can address them together.

Care can take place in a residential program or through outpatient care, depending on a person’s needs.

Having a stable and strong network of support is very helpful during recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with Lyrica misuse, speak with an addiction specialist about treatment options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lyrica a Narcotic?

No. Lyrica isn’t an opioid. It’s a medication used to treat certain seizures, nerve pain, and fibromyalgia. However, it’s still a controlled substance because it has the potential for misuse and dependence. It can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol or opioids.

Is Lyrica Addictive?

It can be. Taking it as prescribed and staying in touch with your prescriber can help reduce the risk of misuse. Physical dependence can develop with regular use, but that isn’t the same as addiction. People with a history of substance misuse, especially opioid misuse, may face a higher risk.

How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Your System?

In people with normal kidney function, Lyrica has a half-life of about six hours. This means the amount in the body drops by roughly half during that time. Most of the drug is cleared within about one to two days, but it can take longer in people with reduced kidney function.

How long it stays in your system isn’t the same as how long you feel its effects.

Is Lyrica the Same as Gabapentin?

No, but they’re closely related. Both drugs treat certain types of nerve pain and seizures. Pregabalin is generally absorbed faster and more predictably than gabapentin. Both carry warnings about serious breathing problems, especially when combined with opioids or other drugs that slow breathing.

References

1. Evoy KE, Morrison MD, Saklad SR. Abuse and misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin. Drugs. 2017.
2. Gomes T, et al. Pregabalin and the risk for opioid-related death: a nested case-control study. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2018.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lyrica (pregabalin) prescribing information. Revised April 2025.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin and pregabalin. December 2019.
5. European Medicines Agency. Lyrica.
6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Pregabalin and risks in pregnancy. April 2022.
7. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Should you cut down or quit?.