I take pregabalin for anxiety disorder. My doctor told me it is ok to drink alcohol in moderation on pregabalin and just to miss my pregabalin dose the day I am going to drink alcohol. But I have had some nasty anxiety dizziness and shakiness the day after drinking since I've been on pregabalin. It's not a hangover because I only had 2 glasses of wine. I'm just wondering if it is actually safe to drink alcohol in moderation when on pregabalin?
Is it dangerous to drink alcohol if you take pregabalin?
Question posted by andyw1991 on 10 Dec 2013
Last updated on 8 December 2022 by amarilli
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
21 Answers
amarilli
8 Dec 2022
I just started taking pregabalin for sciatica. I also have a seizure disorder, insomnia, and anxiety. My doctor thought pregabalin would be a good medication for all these conditions. Yesterday, after taking one dose I had beer before dinner, then felt sick and sleepy. My husband tried to wake me up, but could not. I am glad not to have died. I would not touch alcohol again with this medication. This has not happened to me with any other drug--not Tylenol #3, not lorazepam, not other anticonvulsants. Beware!
Andysback1994
12 Oct 2021
This is not a good mix if you want to risk going insane go ahead but it can mess up your head big time. I have a couple friends who can relate to similar experiences also I wouldn't risk it.
Kyle369
10 Oct 2021
My personal experience with drinking on pregabalin isn't a good one. I find it really effected my judgement and messed up my thoughts basically changed my personality completely and I'm definitely not doing it again as it was quite scary to be in such a state. Everyone is different though this is just my experience. I think underlying trauma and depression makes this mix even more messy also.
Plopsy
15 Oct 2019
I have been on this medication for a few months. Not a big drinker but due to break up of marriage and stress. I had a mega blow out of a weekend and can’t remember much. I’m scared of what might have happened to me. Total black outs and covered in bruises. Any help appreciated.
Ros 2
9 Dec 2018
I have taken pregabalin for fibromyalgia and nerve pain for a long time. I don't recommend drinking alcohol while on that drug... it can have some very unpleasant side effects! It's your call, just trying to be helpful. My Rheumatologist would lecture me on this subject.
Sexton1972
8 Dec 2018
You’ll feel drunk quite quick. This is ok. It’s a cheap day out. Don’t overdo it. Especially when out in town. You gotta get home safe! My pal is on it. We have a few pints early doors. Then he’s home happily pissed and nice and safe in the evening. Same as any meds and booze, be cautious til you know how it’s gonna affect you.
Mr Eee man
16 March 2018
I have been taking pregabelin for anxiety for 8 months now. I was prescribed 150mg in the morning and 300mg at night. I couldn't function properly in the morning so took the 450mg when i got home unless i was having a few beers, in which case I'd take my dose an hour after stopping drinking. The most I'd drink is 6 pints then have some dinner and take my dose. If I ate a stodgy meal I was fine but on a few occasions I'd have soup on top of the beer then have my dose of pregabelin then wake up in the middle of the night puking soup through my nostrils.. I eventually increased my dose dramatically. I'd go to the gym and workout for a couple of hours, sit in sauna for an hour then eat, then I'd drink beer and sometimes take as much as 1500mg in one dose. I liked the drowsiness, nothingness and great sleep but learned to avoid the soup.
The more I took the more I got used to it and the drowsiness wasn't there anymore, not like it was in the beginning so instead of upping my dose again I slowly weaned myself off it and now back down to 450mg a day but feel depressed and shaky.. I wrote this short novel so people can learn from my mistakes. I didn't realise it at the time but I was chasing the side effects, the drowsiness I felt when I first started taking it and had become a recreational user.
HZ23
27 Oct 2017
I'm about to take some pregabalin as I feel depressed beyond belief, it's almost 4AM and I don't know what to do with myself... I've drank half a 35cl bottle of vodka so far and I intend to drink the rest. I wouldn't take my advice though... I've been depressed, even suicidal for years, this type of behaviour has just become normal. No-one knows about it though, I don't tell anyone how I'm feeling or if I feel like things are too much, which I think they are at the minute... otherwise I wouldnt be writing this. In my opinion, Pregabalin (Lyrica) isn't too bad with alcohol, depends on dosage and how much your drinking. If its making you feel dizzy/confused and not yourself when you drink, then as another user said, maybe dont take your Pregabalin if you know you'll be drinking that day. Pregabalin can make you sedated, dizzy and confused (like making you believe you are Donald Trump or someone else).
Pregabalin is a poweful drug, but it works, its useful. I've been taking it for so long now... though, other drugs can interact with Pregabs so check out interactions if you take other things. I take Co-Codamol/Codeine Phosphate (back pain), Prozac (for depression, though I dont think it works), Zopiclone and Zolpidem because I am a fully fledged insomniac, hence writing this full on essay at 4:06AM. Pregabalin is an amazing drug for anxiety issues, as I litterally have 4 friends and I barely go out, though I get put on Pregabalin and anxiety isnt really an issue... just my horrific deep depression. Just remember if youre gonna drink, dont take your pregabs and just take the next dose when youre supposed too. Apologies for the essay, I just needed to talk. Hope you are well my friend.
sleazymutt
13 July 2017
It's ok to drink alcohol as long as you do a line of coke and smoke a joint!
Svissloki
9 May 2017
I have done it quite a few times. I drank a 3-4 pints of beer... and I always got very drunk, but I would always get aggressive too. Not during the evening, but at the end when it is time to go home.
I wouldn't abuse any person, but I would vandalise and smash things up. This is VERY unlike me, I never do this, but when taking pregabalin and drinking I do.
In the instructions, it DOES advise ' DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL '.
I'd take that advice.
Leadererin
9 May 2017
I wouldn't miss your dose the day you drink, I would just limit your consumption of alcohol because to much can make you really drunk. I made that mistake in the beginning and my poor boyfriend had to make me go to bed because I was acting crazy, lol. Just keep it to two or three drinks, that seems to be ok for me. Everyone is different though, so you really need to see for yourself. I have a pretty high tolerance for medications so it may be different for you.
Svissloki
20 Dec 2016
Whether it is dangerous or not to drink alcohol while taking pregabalin depends on many factors.
Are you on a small dose or the maximum dose.
Do you feel dizzy or fuzzy when you are on it.
Do you usually get drunk very easily.
Are you taking any other meds that may make you feel sleepy ... like valium or antihistamines.
In the instructions that come with the medication, it states clearly to ' DO NO DRINK ALCOHOL WITH THIS MEDICATION '.
If I was you and for anyone else reading this, I'd listen to what the manufacturers and professionals advise and not the comments in a forum.
Leadererin
9 May 2017
The instructions absolutely do not say don't drink alcohol, it says limit your consumption and don't drink consistently. I take and have a few drinks and I'm fine, if I over do it I just get really tired.
marciamarcia67
18 Dec 2016
I take 300mg daily of lyrics, drinking 2 to 20 beers, no problems at all. Although the 20 is quite rare. Usually if I have 3 beers nothing at all happens.
Stephen Treloar
21 Dec 2016
I would hate to see your liver function tests.
marciamarcia67
21 Dec 2016
My liver function tests are perfect, thank you for your concern
marciamarcia67
21 Dec 2016
My liver function tests are perfect, thank you for your concern
rmsowell
13 Sep 2015
I just started taking pregabalin for fibro. Under significant stress at home and work, need a drink or so to relax (not wine, but the real stuff). Expect to have a rum and coke (or two) and see have it effects me. I find that alcohol also works well on the fibro, since if you are drunk, you normally don't gaf (guidelines prohibit wording). Just my second day on pregabalin and am experiencing some moodiness and drowsiness, probably since I am also on xyal and singular (antihistamines) for sinusitis. Maybe some fibro improvement, hard to tell yet. I will update this response on my findings.
Claire76
25 July 2015
Iv just started taking pregabalin as I have fits in my sleep every night and I'm not a big drinker but I'm going away soon and I do like a drink when I'm away so it ok to drink on pregabalin thank you
Delila
26 July 2015
Hi, it's so difficult to call, as you can see reading through all of the comments on his page... as i said, i have never experienced side effects when drinking alcohol and taking Pregabalin, but others have had very severe reactions... Maybe ask your doctor for their advice?
Leadererin
9 May 2017
I'm fine with drinking on pregabalin, just don't over do it.
Related topics
anxiety, pregabalin, alcohol, dosage, doctor, disorder
Further information
- Pregabalin uses and safety info
- Pregabalin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Pregabalin (detailed)
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