4 foods to avoid while on Lyrica

In this article:

• How Lyrica works
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects

In this article

• How Lyrica works
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects

Lyrica is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat nerve pain caused by health conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, shingles, spinal cord injury, and fibromyalgia. It is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent partial-onset seizures, and it is sometimes prescribed off-label for migraine, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and other neurological or psychiatric conditions. There are two types of Lyrica—standard and Lyrica CR, an extended-release version—which both contain the active ingredient pregabalin, an anticonvulsant. 

While Lyrica and Lyrica CR are not known to have food-drug interactions, it is important to avoid alcohol while taking them. Reducing intake of processed foods may also help lessen side effects such as swelling (edema) and weight gain.

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How Lyrica works

Nerve pain is notorious for not responding well to conventional pain relievers, according to Chrissie Ott, MD, a dual board-certified internist and pediatrician in Portland, Oregon. Lyrica can help because, rather than simply relieving inflammation like ibuprofen or blocking pain messages like opiates, pregabalin slows overactive nerve signals.

“Think of your nerves like stereo speakers: Sometimes they get stuck blasting the volume way too high, making every little thing feel loud and painful, or even triggering a seizure,” explains Allie Buttarazzi, MD, a double board-certified internal and lifestyle medicine physician near Portland, Maine. “Lyrica works like a hand on the volume knob, turning the sound back down.”

Standard Lyrica is absorbed quite quickly. When taken on an empty stomach, a Lyrica dose reaches its maximum concentration in the blood in about 90 minutes. The absorption rate is slowed when taken with food, slowing the time to peak concentration to about 3 hours. Despite affecting how quickly regular-release pregabalin is absorbed, taking it with or without food does not change the total absorption or effectiveness of the drug. The drug’s half-life (the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body) is six hours.

In comparison, Lyrica CR should always be taken with food after the evening meal, according to the manufacturer’s product information materials. Taking it on an empty stomach reduces drug absorption substantially, thereby diminishing its efficacy.

4 foods to avoid with Lyrica

According to the drug’s label, alcohol is the only substance that must be avoided on Lyrica. That means people on Lyrica can still enjoy caffeine, grapefruit, and dairy products, all substances that should be avoided with some other drugs. Still, there are a few food types that can exacerbate common side effects like drowsiness, edema (swelling), and weight gain. 

Given that, it’s best to limit or avoid the following while on Lyrica: 

1. Alcohol
2. High-sodium foods
3. Foods high in refined sugar
4. Processed foods

1. Alcohol

The prescribing information is clear: Don’t drink alcohol while taking Lyrica. Lyrica and alcohol interact additively on your central nervous system (CNS), increasing sleepiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression. “Adding [alcohol] on top of Lyrica is like piling on a second heavy blanket. It can weigh you down with extra drowsiness and unsteadiness,” Dr. Buttarazzi says. Combining the two can even cause potentially life-threatening respiratory depression (trouble breathing).

Another important note: People with a history of alcohol misuse are more likely to misuse Lyrica than the general population. Tell your healthcare provider if you are struggling with alcohol use or have a history of alcohol abuse or misuse.

2. High-sodium foods

Peripheral edema, swelling of the legs and feet, is a potential side effect of Lyrica. And while some salt is essential for good health, excess sodium can also cause water retention and puffiness. Avoiding salty foods can help minimize your risk of developing edema while on Lyrica. 

Some sneaky salt bombs to avoid include potato chips, deli meats, canned soups, and fast food. If you’re concerned about edema while taking Lyrica, it’s best to steer clear of these foods. 

3. Sugary foods

Like many medications, Lyrica can cause weight gain. Avoiding high-sugar foods like candy, cake, and cookies, as well as high-sugar beverages like soda and sweetened coffee, tea, or chai, may help lower this risk. Eating a slice of birthday cake or an occasional sweet treat won’t impact the effectiveness of Lyrica, but sugary foods and drinks are full of empty calories, which can contribute to added pounds over time. Ultimately, sugar increases your daily calorie count without providing any nutritional value. 

4. Processed foods

Like salt and sugar, processed foods don’t interact with Lyrica, but they can contribute to Lyrica-related swelling and weight gain. That’s because processed foods tend to be high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. 

Processed food is an umbrella term that can include breakfast cereal, packaged snacks, canned soups, and frozen dinners. Processed carbohydrates like white bread and pastries are less nutritious than complex carbohydrates like brown rice, seeds, and lentils.

Ultimately, filling your plate with processed foods reduces the nutritional value of your meal and may increase your waistline while on Lyrica.

What should you eat while taking Lyrica?

First things first: you can take Lyrica, the regular-release form of pregabalin, with or without food. Although the rate of absorption may be slowed by food, the drug’s ultimate bodily concentration and effectiveness will be unfazed.

Whether you’re taking Lyrica for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or seizure prevention, you can support your overall health by focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods. A whole-foods approach also naturally includes ingredients that help stabilize blood sugar, especially important for those managing diabetes-related nerve pain. It may include:

• Lean protein, such as fish, chicken, or lean cuts of beef
• Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa 
• Vegetables of all types
• Low-sugar fruits, such as grapefruit and berries
• Low-fat dairy, such as yogurt, fat-free or low-fat milk, and hard cheese

There is no standard diet recommended for people on anticonvulsants, but it’s a good idea to prioritize fresh, unprocessed foods that will support your overall health while taking Lyrica.

Gastrointestinal side effects of Lyrica

Like many drugs, Lyrica can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Common GI side effects of pregabalin include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain

Eating processed and sugary foods can worsen nausea and other stomach problems. Salty foods can also contribute to dry mouth. High-fat and high-sugar foods can contribute to weight gain, while high-sodium foods can worsen puffiness and swelling. The good news is that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet isn’t just good for your body. It can help minimize gastrointestinal issues from Lyrica.

Serious side effects and risks of Lyrica

Your diet is unlikely to impact your risk of serious side effects of Lyrica. However, it’s still important to know which symptoms warrant seeking medical advice or attention. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following serious Lyrica side effects:

• Changes in mental health, such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Breathing problems
• Extreme bruising or bleeding that does not stop
• Signs of allergic reaction, including angioedema (swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat), severe skin reactions (such as hives), or loss of consciousness 

 “I always encourage frequent check-ins when any side effects are experienced,” Dr. Ott says. “They aren’t always a cause for stopping the medication, but can be a sign we need to take it a little more slowly. 

Finally, Lyrica is not right for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with a history of substance abuse, kidney problems, or heart problems (such as heart failure) should carefully discuss the risks of Lyrica with their healthcare provider. People taking opioids, muscle relaxers, or certain sleep medications (such as zolpidem) may need to avoid Lyrica depending upon the advice of the prescriber. Anyone with questions about whether Lyrica is right for them should seek personalized medical advice from a healthcare professional who knows their medical history, other medical conditions, and other prescription and over-the-counter medications.