Key takeaway
Stopping pregabalin (Lyrica) suddenly after regular use can cause insomnia, anxiety, nausea, headache, sweating, and diarrhea, and can raise seizure risk in some people. The FDA label advises tapering over at least a week. This is education, not a taper schedule. Call 911 for seizures, or call or text (800) 653-9376 to find clinical help.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) is prescribed for nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and some seizure disorders. It is a Schedule V controlled substance because some people misuse it for its calming, euphoric effect, often alongside opioids or alcohol. Regular use can lead to physical dependence, and stopping suddenly can bring on withdrawal.
This page is education, not a personal taper chart. Call 911 for a seizure, severe confusion, or trouble breathing. Call or text 988 for a crisis.
Why withdrawal happens
Pregabalin quiets overactive nerve signaling. With daily use, the nervous system adjusts to having it there. When the dose drops suddenly, that adjustment shows up as rebound anxiety, sleeplessness, and physical symptoms. Because pregabalin clears the body fairly quickly, symptoms can begin within a day or two of a missed or stopped dose.
Common symptoms vs emergencies
Common / uncomfortable: insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea, headache, heavy sweating, diarrhea, restlessness, flu-like aches, and a return of the original pain.
Urgent - call 911: a seizure, severe confusion or hallucinations, chest pain, or slowed breathing in someone who is also using opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.
The FDA has warned that gabapentinoids like pregabalin can cause serious breathing problems when combined with opioids or other sedating drugs, or in people with lung disease. That risk matters both while someone is using and if they return to a high dose after cutting back.
Safer ways to stop
- Tell the prescriber the real dose, how often you take it, and anything else you use.
- Ask for a gradual taper. The FDA label advises tapering over at least one week rather than stopping abruptly, and many people need longer.
- Plan for the original condition. If pregabalin was treating nerve pain or seizures, the prescriber should cover what replaces it.
- Screen for opioid, alcohol, and benzodiazepine use. Stopping several sedating substances at once changes the plan and may call for medical withdrawal management.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 if use has escalated past the prescription and you need help finding care:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
You can also search findtreatment.gov for detoxification or outpatient substance use care near you.
Pregabalin misuse with opioids
Pregabalin misuse is most common among people who also use opioids, because it can intensify the high. That combination raises overdose risk. If opioids are part of the picture, ask about medications for opioid use disorder and keep naloxone nearby. See gabapentinoids and opioids for more on that overlap.
Additional Resources
Sources cited on this page:
- DailyMed - Pregabalin (Lyrica) prescribing information
- FDA Drug Safety Communication - Serious breathing problems with gabapentin and pregabalin (2019)
- NIDA - Prescription Medicines
- SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Common Questions
Can you have withdrawal from Lyrica?
Yes. The pregabalin label lists insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, excessive sweating, and diarrhea after abrupt or rapid discontinuation. People who take higher doses than prescribed, or combine it with opioids or alcohol, tend to have a harder time stopping.
How long does pregabalin withdrawal last?
Symptoms often start within a day or two of a missed or stopped dose, because pregabalin leaves the body fairly quickly. Many people feel the worst of it in the first week, but timelines vary with dose, duration, and other substances. A clinician should set expectations for your situation.
Is pregabalin withdrawal dangerous?
It is usually uncomfortable rather than life-threatening, but seizures can occur, especially in people with a seizure disorder or after high-dose misuse. Stopping several sedating substances at once also raises risk. A seizure is an emergency - call 911.
Should I taper Lyrica on my own?
No. The FDA label advises tapering gradually over at least one week rather than stopping abruptly. Ask the prescribing clinician or an addiction-medicine clinician for a plan, especially if you also use opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.
Where can I get help stopping pregabalin?
Start with the prescribing clinician. If use has escalated or involves other substances, call or text (800) 653-9376 or search findtreatment.gov for withdrawal management and outpatient care.