Can You Take Pregabalin with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Avoid — pregabalin and alcohol together cause dangerous additive CNS depression, including severe sedation and respiratory risk.
Is it safe to take Pregabalin with Alcohol?
Pregabalin is a CNS depressant used for nerve pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. Alcohol is also a CNS depressant. Together they cause additive or synergistic CNS and respiratory depression. The combination has been implicated in fatal overdoses — pregabalin's rapid absorption and high bioavailability make it particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol. Pregabalin is also a controlled drug (Class C, Schedule 3 in the UK) partly due to its misuse potential, and alcohol substantially increases this risk.
How do Pregabalin and Alcohol interact?
Pregabalin binds to alpha-2-delta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release and causing CNS depression. Alcohol enhances GABA-A inhibitory activity. Together, two separate mechanisms of CNS inhibition are active simultaneously, creating additive or synergistic respiratory depression.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: FDA pregabalin drug label — alcohol warning; OpenFDA drug label data.
Who should be careful?
Everyone taking pregabalin. Particular care for: respiratory conditions, elderly patients, those on other CNS depressants or opioids, and those with a history of substance misuse.
What if I've already taken Pregabalin and Alcohol?
If you feel excessively drowsy, confused, or notice slow/shallow breathing in yourself or someone else, call 999. Do not leave the person alone.
Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol on pregabalin?
No. The combination can cause dangerous sedation and respiratory depression. Pregabalin's drug label explicitly warns against alcohol.
Why is pregabalin and alcohol dangerous?
Both suppress the central nervous system. Together they amplify each other's sedative and respiratory depressant effects, which can cause breathing to stop.
How long after pregabalin can I drink?
Pregabalin has a half-life of about 6 hours. Wait at least 24-30 hours after your last dose before drinking. If taking it regularly, discuss alcohol entirely with your doctor.
Can pregabalin get you drunk faster?
Pregabalin can increase the effects of alcohol, causing greater intoxication at lower alcohol doses. This makes the combination unpredictable as well as dangerous.