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What are the side effects of Lyrica?

Lyrica side effects are typically mild, but it isn't right for everyone
Sarah Bradley writer headshot
By | Updated on May 13, 2026 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
Prescription pad with pill bottle: Common vs. serious Lyrica side effects

Key takeaways

  • Lyrica treats seizures, nerve pain, and muscle pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and post-shingles pain.

  • Most people experience mild, temporary negative side effects, but some people may develop serious ones.

  • Older adults, people with certain health conditions, and those with a history of mental health or substance use disorders face the highest risk for serious side effects.

In this article:

Lyrica (pregabalin) is an anti-seizure medication used to treat certain types of seizures, as well as nerve and muscle pain. Common uses include fibromyalgia and nerve pain caused by shingles, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. Although Lyrica is well-tolerated by many people, it can cause serious or long-term side effects, so it isn’t right for everyone. 

Common side effects of Lyrica

According to clinical trial data for Lyrica, the most common side effects associated with taking this medication include:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness or sedation 
  • Dry mouth
  • Swelling of the hands and feet 
  • Blurred vision
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty concentrating

These side effects are considered common because they have been observed in 5% or more of people taking Lyrica.

Serious side effects of Lyrica

Even mild side effects can interfere with daily life, but some Lyrica side effects are more serious because they may pose a greater risk to your health. These include severe dizziness, significant swelling, extreme drowsiness or brain fog, mood changes, and slow or shallow breathing. 

Here’s what to know about each serious side effect.

Severe dizziness 

Sean Ormond, MD, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain management physician in Arizona, says severe dizziness is the Lyrica side effect he sees most often in his practice. It can be especially concerning for older adults because it may increase the risk of falls. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label for Lyrica, 30% of adults reported dizziness, compared with 8% taking a placebo.

“Dizziness may decrease as your body adjusts,” says Alopi M. Patel, MD, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and co-host of The Hurt podcast. If dizziness disrupts your daily life or occurs with fever, severe headache, or vision changes, contact your healthcare provider. 

Significant edema 

Some people may find that Lyrica causes peripheral edema, swelling of the hands or feet. In clinical trials, this side effect occurred in about 6% of people taking the medication. 

For people without significant heart or blood vessel disease, this swelling was not linked to cardiovascular complications in short-term trials. However, the risk may be higher for people taking thiazolidinediones, a class of diabetes medications that can cause fluid retention and may worsen or contribute to heart failure. Dr. Verghese says swelling in the face or neck is different and should be treated as urgent because it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. In that case, stop taking Lyrica and seek medical attention right away.

Sedation or brain fog

Many people taking Lyrica report excessive fatigue or an inability to stay awake, also called somnolence. Some people also say the medication makes them feel foggy or less focused. According to clinical trial data, about 23% of people taking Lyrica report somnolence as a side effect. Like dizziness, drowsiness, and brain fog may improve as your body adjusts to Lyrica. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist beyond the first few weeks, get suddenly worse, occur with other neurological symptoms, or interfere with daily activities such as work or driving. 

Mental health changes 

Taking Lyrica may rarely cause or worsen depression, mood changes, or thoughts of self-harm. According to the FDA label for Lyrica, this risk is about 1 in 500 people taking antiepileptic drugs such as pregabalin. This can happen when Lyrica is taken for any approved use, including seizures, nerve pain, or fibromyalgia. However, the relative risk was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in trials for psychiatric or other conditions. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of self-harm.

Slow or shallow breathing

Because Lyrica slows down the central nervous system, it has the potential to depress breathing. Symptoms of respiratory depression include slow or shallow breathing, lethargy, confusion, increased heart rate, and a bluish tint to the skin or nails. This side effect is more likely in people taking opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants, Dr. Patel says. The risk may also be higher for people with underlying breathing problems. Seek emergency medical care right away if you notice changes in your breathing, heart rate, alertness, or skin color while taking Lyrica. 

How soon do Lyrica side effects start?

Lyrica side effects can start soon after you begin taking the medication or after your dose is increased, says Ebby Varghese, MD, a pain management physician at University of Missouri Health Care. However, side effects can vary from person to person. Your healthcare provider should explain the possible side effects before prescribing Lyrica, according to Dr. Varghese, so you know what to watch for and when to seek medical advice.

How long do Lyrica side effects last?

Common Lyrica side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, mild brain fog, blurred vision, and dry mouth, often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. “This can take one to two weeks,” Dr. Patel says. “Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it may help reduce early side effects,” she adds. However, if side effects continue after three to four weeks, talk to your healthcare provider as a dose adjustment or a different medication may be needed.

What are the long-term side effects of Lyrica?

Some Lyrica side effects improve as your body adjusts, but others may last as long as you take the medication. Dr. Ormond says many people tolerate long-term Lyrica use well, though some experience ongoing side effects such as weight gain, swelling, and drowsiness. According to the FDA label for Lyrica, weight gain of 7% or more occurred in 9% of people taking it, peripheral edema occurred in 6%, and somnolence persisted until the last dose in 42% of people who reported it.

Dr. Patel says some people may also experience ongoing cognitive effects, such as trouble with word-finding or memory, until they stop taking the medication. You may be more likely to experience long-term side effects if you are over 65, have kidney problems, take other medications that cause drowsiness, or have a history of mood disorders. Lyrica may also cause physical dependence with long-term use.

Lyrica interactions

Some medications and substances are more likely to interact with Lyrica than others. Dr. Ormond says the biggest concern is combining Lyrica with other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, antihistamines, certain antidepressants, or alcohol. These combinations may increase sedation, dizziness, slow reaction time, and the risk of slow or shallow breathing.

Lyrica may also interact with medications that increase the risk of swelling. For example, people taking ACE inhibitors have a higher risk of swelling or hives, while people taking certain diabetes medications, such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, have a higher risk of weight gain or fluid retention.

Before taking Lyrica, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and alcohol use. They can help determine whether Lyrica is safe to take with your current medications.

Safety measures while using Lyrica

“Older adults, people with impaired kidney function, and those with a history of substance use disorder or depression face a higher risk of serious side effects,” says Dr. Patel. Lyrica is generally not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and is mostly restricted to adults 18 and older, except when used as part of a treatment plan for infants with partial-onset seizures. 

Older adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to Lyrica’s side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, and problems with coordination. These effects increase the risk of falls or injuries. Older adults are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which can affect how the body clears pregabalin and may require a lower dose or closer monitoring. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, especially drugs that can cause sleepiness, dizziness, or slowed breathing. 

People with certain chronic health conditions

People with certain chronic health conditions need extra monitoring while taking Lyrica. Dr. Verghese says people with existing edema or congestive heart failure may not be good candidates because Lyrica can increase fluid retention. People who are already concerned about weight gain may also want to discuss this risk with their provider before starting treatment.

Lyrica is also cleared primarily through the kidneys, so people with kidney disease may need a lower dose or closer monitoring while taking it. Tell your healthcare provider about any history of kidney disease, heart failure, edema, or unexplained swelling before starting Lyrica.

People with a history of depression or mood changes 

People with a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood disorders need extra monitoring while taking Lyrica. The manufacturer of Lyrica notes that pregabalin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people taking the medication.

If you and your healthcare provider decide Lyrica is still appropriate, report any new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or unusual changes in mood or behavior right away. If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to watch for mood changes, as you may not notice yourself.

People with a history of substance use disorder

Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance, which means it has the potential for misuse and dependence. “Some people taking Lyrica may experience euphoric effects, especially at higher doses,” says Dr. Patel. According to the FDA label, people with a history of drug misuse should be evaluated carefully and monitored for signs of Lyrica misuse or abuse, such as tolerance, dose escalation, or drug-seeking behavior. 

The risk of serious breathing problems may also be higher if Lyrica is taken with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants. 

How to avoid Lyrica side effects

Many people take Lyrica without experiencing side effects, but some side effects are normal in the first few weeks after starting the medication. Here are some ways to manage them.

  1. Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history. Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all medications you take, any coexisting health conditions, and any drug allergies. This can help prevent harmful interactions or worsening of existing conditions.
  2. Take Lyrica as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to take Lyrica, but if it seems to be making you sleepy, Dr. Verghese says to ask your healthcare provider about dosing only at night. It is also possible to overdose on Lyrica, which could be fatal. Follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions carefully and seek medical attention if you experience loss of consciousness, confusion, or agitation. Monitor for sleepiness continuing into the morning and, if need be, move up the time at night you take Lyrica. 
  3. Don’t stop Lyrica suddenly. This medication needs to be tapered down under a provider’s supervision. “Stopping Lyrica abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and nausea,” says Dr. Patel.
  4. Monitor your side effects. Some mild side effects are common after starting  Lyrica. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidality; significant weight gain or swelling; difficulty breathing; or skin rashes or blistering, which could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
  5. Avoid hazardous activities. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Lyrica, especially if you experience drowsiness or dizziness.
  6. Avoid alcohol. Mixing Lyrica with alcohol can cause extreme sedation or dizziness and could affect your breathing.
  7. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach. Lyrica can be taken with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, take it with a small meal.

How to treat the side effects of Lyrica

Milder side effects can often be managed at home as your body adjusts to Lyrica. In the meantime, plan for extra rest, be cautious of situations where you could fall, and limit activities like driving until you feel mentally clear and have normal reaction times, which will be needed when driving. To help minimize weight gain, maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Research suggests most people don’t gain a significant amount of weight on Lyrica.

“If your side effects are persistent, getting worse, or affecting your day-to-day life, check in with your provider,” Dr. Ormond says. And if you experience trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, suicidality, or significant swelling, seek immediate medical attention.

Bottom line: Is Lyrica safe?

Many people can safely take Lyrica, but it’s not right for everyone. It can cause serious or long-term side effects such as persistent dizziness, significant edema, sedation or brain fog, mood changes or suicidal thoughts, and slow or shallow breathing. Some people are at higher risk for these side effects than others, including older adults, people with existing health conditions, and people with a history of mood disorders or substance abuse. Use Lyrica as directed, talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience, and taper off the medication slowly if you choose to discontinue it. 

Frequently asked questions

Does Lyrica make you sleepy? 

Yes, Lyrica can make you feel sleepy. This is a common side effect that often goes away once your body adjusts to the medication, but many people continue to feel drowsy for the duration of their treatment.

Does Lyrica cause constipation? 

Constipation is a less common side effect of Lyrica, though the medication can cause constipation at higher doses.

Does Lyrica affect blood pressure? 

Lyrica can lower blood pressure in some cases. If you take blood pressure medications, tell your provider. The combination can decrease your blood pressure, make you feel dizzy, and increase your risk of edema.

Can Lyrica cause headaches? 

Headaches are a possible side effect of Lyrica, seen more often in clinical trials for people taking the medication for postherpetic neuralgia and partial-onset seizures.

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