Lyrica is not an opioid, even though it is a prescription drug with analgesic effects. It belongs to a different class of medications—pregabalin, the active ingredient in Lyrica, is an anticonvulsant drug structurally resembling gamma-aminobutyric acid. Mixing it with opioids can have life-threatening consequences.
This article will dissect the question, “Is Lyrica an opioid?” to help you learn more about this drug and its interaction with opioids.
What Is Lyrica?
Lyrica is an anticonvulsant drug typically prescribed for the management of fibromyalgia and nerve pain, such as that caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury. Furthermore, it is sometimes used as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures. In some countries, including the United Kingdom, Lyrica is also used to treat anxiety disorders.
While Lyrica has been approved for medical use in the United States since 2004, its generic versions were only FDA-approved in 2019. Lyrica comes as a capsule or an oral solution. Extended-release formulations are also available in the form of tablets.
Although pregabalin structurally is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog—or a gabapentinoid—it does not attach to GABA receptors.
Lyrica’s mechanism of action isn’t fully understood yet. However, it is clear that pregabalin selectively binds to the alpha2 delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. Put simply, Lyrica is believed to relieve pain and seizures by calming overly active nerves.
Now that we’ve discussed the basics, it’s time to answer the question, “Is Lyrica an opioid?”
Is Lyrica an Opioid?
Lyrica is not an opioid. It does not belong to the class of opioids—it is an anticonvulsant medication and a structural GABA analog. Therefore, it not only structurally differs from opioids but also has a different mechanism of action. Even though its effects may seem similar to those of opioids at first glance, it interacts with different parts of the brain.
Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon for people to wonder whether Lyrica is an opioid or not, as both of them can be prescribed for pain management.
If you’re looking for non-opioid pain relief options, depending on your condition, your doctor may even suggest Lyrica as an alternative to opioids. But even though both of these drugs have pain-relieving properties, they belong to different classes and usually have different medical applications.
Now that you know the short answer to “Is Lyrica an opioid?” let’s compare these two pain management options in greater detail.
Lyrica vs. Opioids: Key Differences Explained
The key differences between Lyrica and opioids include their medical uses, mechanisms of action, and potential for abuse and addiction.
Both Lyrica and opioids can be prescribed for pain management. However, there’s a lack of evidence on the efficacy of long-term opioid treatment in patients with fibromyalgia. Therefore, unlike Lyrica, opioids are generally not recommended for pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Using opioids for chronic pain management is also not recommended since the evidence for their long-term effectiveness is limited. Furthermore, prolonged use of opioids increases the risk of abuse, dependence, addiction, and other adverse events, such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia and constipation.
While Lyrica is primarily used for neuropathic pain, opioids are prescribed for various types of moderate-to-severe acute pain, such as that caused by injuries and surgeries. They can also sometimes be used for neuropathic pain or prescribed for chronic pain in severe cases, such as cancer.
Plus, opioids are not used to manage seizures; in fact, some, like tramadol, can even cause them.
Furthermore, Lyrica relieves pain by calming overactive nerves by acting on calcium channels and hindering the release of certain neurotransmitters. Meanwhile, opioids alter pain perception by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby inhibiting the transmission of pain signals between the body and the brain.
Even though Lyrica is not an opioid, it can also cause euphoria and relaxation, especially if misused (e.g., taken in higher doses than prescribed or mixed with other substances). Unlike opioids, though, it does not stimulate dopamine release; instead, its euphoric effects are caused by an increase in extracellular GABA levels.
Although such rewarding effects increase the risk of Lyrica abuse, its potential for addiction is lower than that of opioids. While most opioids, such as oxycodone and morphine, fall under Schedule II controlled substances, Lyrica is classified as a Schedule V drug.
Side Effects and Risks of Using Lyrica
Although Lyrica is not an opioid, some of its side effects—such as sleepiness and dizziness, which happen to be the most common side effects associated with this drug—resemble those of opioids. However, while opioid use tends to lead to weight loss, using Lyrica can cause you to gain weight.
Other common side effects of using Lyrica include:
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Swollen hands or feet
- Difficulty concentrating
Importantly, Lyrica can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions, such as depression, panic attacks, and anxiety. About 1 in 500 patients taking this drug struggle with suicidal thoughts and actions. Therefore, Lyrica may not be the best option for those with a history of mood disorders, suicidal ideation, or other mental disorders.
If you notice any changes in mood while taking Lyrica, consult your doctor; do not stop taking your medication without their permission.
Furthermore, Lyrica can also cause severe—and even life-threatening—allergic reactions. If you notice facial swelling, hives, blisters, or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Abruptly discontinuing this medication is generally not recommended due to the risk of Lyrica withdrawal symptoms, such as diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Nonetheless, those allergic to pregabalin should stop taking it right away.
Can Lyrica Be Addictive?
Lyrica can be addictive, especially if abused, i.e., taken in ways other than prescribed.
Although Lyrica’s potential for addiction is not nearly as high as that of opioids like hydrocodone, some people may abuse this drug for its rewarding effects, namely, euphoria. Mixing this drug with other substances, such as alcohol, not only amplifies the risk of adverse effects but can also make you more likely to become addicted.
Importantly, those taking Lyrica for a prolonged time can develop a physical dependence on it; tolerance to pregabalin tends to develop quite quickly. You should never quit this medication without medical supervision, especially suddenly, as this can bring about uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In those with epilepsy, withdrawals can trigger seizures.
Even though Lyrica is not an opioid and is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance, indicating a relatively low potential for abuse and addiction, it is critical to take it precisely as prescribed.
Is Lyrica Safe to Use for Managing Pain?
Lyrica is relatively safe to use for managing pain as long as you’re taking it exactly as directed. However, this medication is not safe for those allergic to pregabalin and may not be suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you’re exploring opioid alternatives for pain management, your doctor can help you determine whether using Lyrica is safe for you and whether it’s the right medication for your condition. After all, pregabalin has rather specific medical uses; if you’re suffering from non-neuropathic pain, you might have to seek other options.
Keep in mind that pregabalin can be habit-forming and cause dependence with long-term use, even if Lyrica is not an opioid and cannot compete with opioids in terms of addictive potential. As such, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and rewards of using Lyrica before taking this drug.
The Dangers of Mixing Lyrica and Opioids
Mixing Lyrica and opioids is extremely dangerous, as both drugs affect the central nervous system, increasing the risk of severe side effects and life-threatening respiratory depression. Importantly, a study done by researchers from the University of Heidelberg found that opioid dependence increases the risk of Lyrica abuse.
Although Lyrica is not an opioid, it also has sedative effects; taking these drugs together, therefore, can dangerously suppress the CNS. This can lead to profound drowsiness and impair coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, falls, and subsequent injuries.
Taking Lyrica with opioids can also increase the risk of an opioid overdose, which may be lethal if not reversed in time. Call 911 immediately if you notice pinpoint pupils, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, or other signs of an opioid overdose.
Pregabalin can interact with various drugs, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other medications that affect the CNS. To avoid life-threatening drug interactions, inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking before initiating Lyrica use. Do not take Lyrica with any other substance without your doctor’s approval.
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Key Takeaways
The short answer to “Is Lyrica an opioid?” is no, it is not. Nonetheless, it is easy to assume it is, as pregabalin and opioids share a few similarities, including pain-relieving properties and euphoric effects.
Let’s go over the key points we covered today:
- Lyrica is a prescription medication primarily used to manage neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures.
- Lyrica is not an opioid, as it interacts with calcium channels rather than opioid receptors.
- Despite this, it can cause dependence and addiction, though its potential for addiction is lower than that of opioids.
Is Lyrica an Opioid FAQ
You should never take Lyrica and opioids together. Mixing pregabalin with opioids can dangerously slow down the activity of your central nervous system and suppress your breathing, which may lead to death.
Yes, Lyrica is a controlled substance. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Schedule V drugs are considered to have a limited potential for abuse and dependence compared to those classified as Schedule IV drugs, such as the opioid tramadol. Nonetheless, they can be habit-forming.
ANR does not treat Lyrica addiction or dependence, as it is an anticonvulsant medication rather than an opioid. However, this groundbreaking treatment can help you break free from opioid dependence within days through endorphin-receptor system modulation.
