Is Lyrica (Pregabalin) A Controlled Substance?

Lyrica, the brand name for pregabalin, is a prescription medication used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and certain other medical conditions. While it was originally considered to have minimal abuse potential, reports of misuse led the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to classify Lyrica as a Schedule V controlled substance in 2005. This is the lowest level of control for prescription medications, indicating a lower risk for abuse compared to drugs in higher schedules.

Despite its Schedule V classification, Lyrica can still be misused and may lead to physical dependence in some individuals.

Why Lyrica Is A Schedule V Controlled Substance

While Lyrica’s abuse potential is lower than other controlled substances, it is still higher than prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are not controlled. Pregabalin was put on the list as a safeguard for people taking the medication.

Known Medical Use

Pregabalin has a variety of uses both on- and off-label, making it a versatile drug for prescribing doctors. The intended use of the drug is for nerve pain.

These conditions can include:

• fibromyalgia
• shingles
• postherpetic neuralgia
• spinal cord injury
• diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Many people experience pain relief from these or other chronic pain conditions without having to rely on opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, or fentanyl.

In addition, pregabalin is prescribed off-label for the following conditions:

• bipolar disorder
• restless legs syndrome
• social anxiety disorder
• insomnia
• generalized anxiety disorder

But you should not take pregabalin for these conditions without receiving medical advice.

Low Potential For Misuse

Part of the reason Lyrica has a low abuse potential is due to the way it interacts with the brain. Similar to gabapentin, pregabalin interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is why it is sometimes used for anxiety.

But unlike Xanax, Valium (diazepam), or other benzodiazepines which increase GABA in the brain, Lyrica interacts with the protein channels (called voltage-gated calcium channels) for GABA at the alpha-2-delta subunit on a presynaptic level. This means that pregabalin doesn’t interact with dopamine, opiate, or other such receptors in the brain, giving it a relatively low abuse potential. Nevertheless, when used for pain, gabapentin and pregabalin, among other anticonvulsants, are referred to as gabapentinoids.

When Lyrica Became A Controlled Substance

The schedules of controlled substances came into effect in 1971 under the Controlled Substances Act. Lyrica was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale at the very end of 2004.

In the summer of 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ruled that pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance.

What Class Of Drugs Does Lyrica Belong To?

Lyrica is in the anticonvulsant class of drugs. One of its intended uses is as an aid to other drugs for the treatment of seizures related to epilepsy. Neurontin or Gralise (which are brand names for gabapentin) are also anticonvulsive drugs. But pain relief is an off-label use of gabapentin, while the relief of nerve pain is pregabalin’s intended use.

What Happens When You Abuse Lyrica?

Because Lyrica interacts with GABA neurotransmitters, it produces a feeling of calm in the person who uses it.

Some substances which may be mixed with Lyrica can include:

• alcohol
• opioids
• heroin

Lyrica abuse often looks like people using it concurrently with other substances in order to enhance the euphoric feeling. They may even snort Lyrica to intensify effects.

Effects Of Lyrica Abuse

Pregabalin substance abuse is not without side effects.

Common side effects of Lyrica abuse include:

• weight gain
• drowsiness to the point of sedation
• suicidal thoughts

Additionally, Lyrica is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, so using it in conjunction with other depressants like those listed above can affect body functions that the CNS controls. For example, the respiratory system can be dangerously depressed by using pregabalin in conjunction with these other substances.

Signs Of Lyrica Dependence And Withdrawal

Even when taken as prescribed, some people may develop physical dependence on Lyrica after extended use. Dependence means your body has adapted to the presence of the medication, and stopping suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms. This is different from addiction, though people who misuse Lyrica are at higher risk for developing both dependence and addiction.

Common signs of Lyrica dependence include:

• needing higher doses to achieve the same pain relief or calming effects
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when missing a dose or trying to stop
• feeling unable to function normally without the medication
• taking Lyrica more frequently than prescribed
• running out of prescriptions early and seeking refills ahead of schedule
• continuing to use Lyrica despite negative consequences

Lyrica withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and may include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, headaches, sweating, and diarrhea. In severe cases, seizures can occur, especially in people who have been taking high doses or using Lyrica for extended periods. Never stop taking Lyrica abruptly without medical supervision. If you need to discontinue the medication, your doctor will create a tapering schedule that gradually reduces your dose over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re battling Lyrica misuse or dependence, speak with your healthcare provider or contact an addiction treatment center for help developing a safe plan to stop using the medication.

Find Treatment Programs For Lyrica Addiction

You do not have to keep endangering yourself through Lyrica addiction. You or your loved one can find treatment options and help with managing withdrawal symptoms at a drug rehab center in your city or your region. Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff