Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Pregabalin, commonly known as Lyrica is a prescription-only medicine traditionally used to treat epilepsy, pain from nerve damage and anxiety.

OTHER NAMES:

Pregablin is sold under brand names Lyrica and Axalid. It is also sometimes know as pregabs 

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug which works by slowing down brain impulses that cause seizures, and affects brain chemicals that send pain messages. Some people use Pregabalin to manage pain and others for pleasurable effects such as anxiety and mood management. 

FACTS TO KNOW 

• Pregabalin has a sedative effect, which can worsen when used with other sedative drugs, such as alcohol, GHB/GBL, or other prescribed medications such as benzodiazepines or sleeping tablets. If you take pregabalin with other sedatives breathing will slow due to reduced messaging in the nervous system. There is also risk of blackout, memory loss and seizures.
• Pregabalin can cause dizziness, drowsiness and affect ability to safely drive or operate machinery. Some people also experience swelling (from fluid retention), headaches, shakes, dry mouth, constipation, and depressive or suicidal thoughts.   
• It is best to slow reduce how much you’re using, over a week or so, rather than trying to stop quickly; when stopping suddenly people have reported nausea, headaches, sleeping troubles, anxiety, sweating and diarrhea.  

DURATION 

• You will feel the effects quickly, and peak concentration in blood typically occurs approximately 1 – 1.5 hours after use   
• Initial effects will be felt after commencing use, however the overall therapeutic effects of Pregabalin will build up gradually over a several weeks of use.   
• You might feel the effects for around 6 hours, however in the context of testing pregabalin last stay in your blood system for about 30-35 hours after your last doese.   
• Onset is faster if taken on an empty stomach, if Pregabalin is consumed after food it can take around 3 hours to reach peak and the effects felt will be lower.   

STAYING AS SAFE AS YOU CAN 

• – Let someone you trust know if you’re trialing this for the first time
• – If using pregabalin outside prescription, start with a small test dose to how you respond, and wait a couple hours before taking more
• – Do not drive or operate machinery, nor get in the car with someone who has used Pregabalin – there is an increased possibility of drowsiness and dizziness 

Avoid using Pregabalin (Lyrica) with other sedative substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antipsychotics, buprenorphine, sleeping pills or opiod pain medications. If mixing several sedatives there is a risk of becoming extra sedated. There is also a breathing risk if you use Pregabalin with stimulants as those can wear off first. If you have after using or for a friend who has used Pregabalin, we recommend calling an ambulance immediately. Other concerns could include pale or blue lips, gurgling / snoring sounds or a limp body.