At pH Wellness in Riverside, California, we understand how prescription medications like Lyrica can sometimes become part of a larger struggle with substance use. That’s why our programs focus on compassionate, evidence-based care—helping individuals address both the physical dependence and the underlying emotional or mental health challenges that often come with it. With personalized treatment in a supportive environment, recovery is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
How Lyrica Works for Diabetic Nerve Pain
Lyrica works by calming overactive nerves in the central nervous system and altering pain signals sent to the brain. Although it is part of the antiepileptic drugs class, it is also used as pain medicine for conditions involving chronic pain.
Unlike opioid analgesics, Lyrica does not bind to opioid receptors or produce the same euphoric effects as addictive drugs like heroin or morphine. Instead, clinical studies and clinical trials show that pregabalin works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the nervous system and helping control partial onset seizures.
How Lyrica Differs From Opioids and Prescription Drugs
While both Lyrica and opioids are prescription drugs used for pain relief, they target pain in very different ways. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and often producing euphoric effects. This makes them highly effective for short-term nociceptive pain—such as post-surgical pain—but also increases the risk of misuse and dependence.
Lyrica, on the other hand, is designed specifically for nerve pain, including diabetic nerve pain and nerve pain related to a spinal cord injury. As part of its mechanism, Lyrica treatment helps calm overactive nerves by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the central nervous system. Rather than producing euphoria, it changes the way pain signals are transmitted to the brain.
This difference is why the Drug Enforcement Agency classifies Lyrica as a Schedule V controlled substance—it offers meaningful pain relief for conditions like fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain without the same addictive profile as opioids, but it still carries potential risks. Patients should only take Lyrica as prescribed, as misuse can still lead to side effects, allergic reaction, or dependence over time.
Why Lyrica Is a Controlled Substance
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies Lyrica as a controlled substance because it can cause euphoric effects and physical dependence in some individuals, particularly with pregabalin abuse or misuse. This abuse potential places it on the DEA’s drug scheduling list under Schedules I–V, with Schedule V indicating the lowest but still present significant risk.
Potential for Abuse and Adverse Effects, Including Lyrica Overdose
Even though Lyrica is not an opioid, substance abuse involving pregabalin has been documented. Misuse can lead to:
- Lyrica overdose and dangerous drug interactions with other drugs or central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Adverse effects including dizziness, blurred vision, swelling, weight gain, and fatigue
- Serious allergic reaction or serious breathing problems when combined with central nervous system activity depressants
- Mental health changes, including suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping
Substance misuse is especially risky when combined with drinking alcohol, as it can increase sedation, impair coordination, and cause trouble breathing.
The Risks of Combining Lyrica with Other Substances
Although the brand name Lyrica is generally safe when taken as prescribed, combining it with other central nervous system depressants can be dangerous. Mixing Lyrica with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or certain antidepressants may increase the risk of excessive sedation, breathing problems, or even life-threatening overdose. These risks are heightened because all of these substances can slow brain activity and suppress respiratory function.
Clinical studies and poison control reports show that many ER visits related to pregabalin misuse involve the concurrent use of alcohol or other prescription drugs. People who take Lyrica as pain medication or to treat seizures should be aware that adding another sedating substance—even in small amounts—can dramatically raise the potential for harm.
In rare cases, combining Lyrica with certain antidepressants has been linked to suicidal thoughts, worsening mood changes, or dangerous drug interactions. The Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency classify Lyrica as a Schedule V controlled substance to emphasize that while it has legitimate medical uses, it must be handled with the same caution as other medications with abuse potential.
If you suspect someone has mixed Lyrica with alcohol or another depressant, contacting a poison control center or seeking emergency medical help right away could be lifesaving.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Pregabalin Abuse
Identifying the early signs of pregabalin misuse can help patients and families take action before the situation escalates. While Lyrica is FDA-approved and classified as a Schedule V controlled substance, its potential for dependency increases when it is not taken exactly as prescribed. Warning signs may include:
- Taking higher doses than instructed or using the medication more frequently than prescribed.
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same drug.
- Noticing increased sedation or appearing unusually drowsy throughout the day.
- Experiencing significant weight gain or other physical changes without a medical explanation.
- Seeking Lyrica for reasons other than its intended purpose, such as enhancing the effects of other prescription drugs.
Other red flags can include secretive behavior, neglecting responsibilities, or combining Lyrica with substances known to cause dangerous drug interactions, such as alcohol or other sedatives. The Food and Drug Administration warns that misuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms, heightened health risks, and serious complications—especially if mixed with drugs from higher-risk categories like Schedules I–IV.
Family members who notice these changes should encourage an open conversation about safe medication use and consider involving a healthcare provider as early as possible. Detecting misuse in its initial stages greatly reduces the increased risk of long-term dependence and related health concerns.
Lyrica Withdrawal and Dependence
With repeated use, some individuals may develop physical dependence and experience lyrica withdrawal if they stop taking Lyrica suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms may include insomnia, nausea, headaches, sweating, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.
A healthcare provider should oversee lyrica withdrawal treatment, using a gradual taper to reduce risks. Missed dose management and patient education are essential for safety.
Dual Diagnosis Considerations with Lyrica Misuse
For some individuals, Lyrica misuse doesn’t occur in isolation—it’s closely connected to underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When these conditions remain untreated, they can increase vulnerability to misusing prescription drugs like Lyrica, as people may use the medication to self-medicate emotional distress rather than solely for its intended medical purpose.
This is why pH Wellness prioritizes integrated treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health simultaneously. By treating the whole person—rather than focusing only on stopping misuse—we can break the cycle of dependency and help clients develop healthier coping strategies.
Our approach considers each individual’s medical history, including conditions like herpes zoster, chronic pain, or seizure disorders, which may have originally led to a Lyrica prescription. We also monitor for side effects such as weight gain or allergic reaction, both of which can impact mental and physical well-being.
Addressing Lyrica misuse within a dual diagnosis framework allows for a more complete recovery, helping clients manage both their pain medicine needs and their emotional health without relying on unsafe patterns of use. Whether it’s replacing risky medication habits with healthier alternatives or building long-term stress management skills, our goal is to support lasting recovery in every area of life.
Who Should Avoid or Use Lyrica With Caution
Prescribing Lyrica should be carefully considered in patients with:
- Kidney problems or impaired kidney function
- Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- A history of substance abuse or substance misuse
- Existing drug interactions with other seizure medications, antidepressants, or central nervous system depressants
Before exploring treatment options, it’s also important to understand when Lyrica may not be safe and who should use this medication with extra caution.
Safe Use and Treatment Programs
At pH Wellness, we offer a full continuum of care to support individuals struggling with Lyrica dependency, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Each program is designed to meet people where they are, combining medical expertise with compassion, structure, and holistic healing.
Medical Detox & 24/7 Supervision
Our licensed medical detox program provides round-the-clock care to help clients navigate Lyrica withdrawal safely and comfortably. With experienced clinicians by your side, you don’t have to go through the most difficult days of detox alone.
Residential Treatment
In our residential treatment program, clients live on-site in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. This setting creates space away from daily stressors and triggers, allowing individuals to focus fully on early recovery and rebuilding healthy routines.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
We provide flexible levels of care, including partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). These options offer intensive therapy and support while allowing clients to continue working, studying, or caring for family as they move forward in their healing journey.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many who struggle with substance use disorder also face challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Our dual diagnosis programs ensure mental health conditions are addressed alongside addiction, supporting deeper, lasting recovery.
Individual & Group Counseling
Through one-on-one therapy and supportive group counseling, clients learn to identify triggers, build healthy coping strategies, and strengthen relapse-prevention skills that empower them long after treatment.
Support for Co-Occurring Medical Conditions
For individuals who live with conditions like diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury, or chronic pain, our team provides tailored care and education. We help clients manage medical needs safely while addressing addiction, so recovery supports both physical and emotional health.
The Bottom Line
So, is Lyrica an opioid? No, it is not part of the opioid drug class. However, it is still a controlled substance with a very real potential for abuse and adverse effects when misused. That’s why safe use requires more than just a prescription—it takes close collaboration with a healthcare provider, careful attention to dosing instructions, and awareness of the risks associated with dependency. When managed responsibly, Lyrica can provide meaningful relief for pain and seizure disorders, but misuse can quickly lead to serious challenges.
At pH Wellness in Riverside, California, we understand how easily prescription medications like pregabalin can become part of a larger struggle with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health concerns.
If you or a loved one is misusing Lyrica or living with another substance use challenge, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact pH Wellness today to learn more about our safe, compassionate treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.
Sources
Dowell, D., Haegerich, T. M., & Chou, R. (2016). CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain — United States, 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(RR‑1), 1–49. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from
Toth C. Pregabalin: latest safety evidence and clinical implications for the management of neuropathic pain. Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014 Feb;5(1):38-56. doi: 10.1177/2042098613505614. PMID: 25083261; PMCID: PMC4110876.
