In this article, I’m going to teach you how to use pregabalin for opiate withdrawal. Used correctly, you can gain a lot of symptom relief by using pregabalin.
Countless opioid-dependent individuals have successfully used pregabalin to decrease symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, depression, and more.
While there can indeed be many pros from using pregabalin for opiate withdrawal, there can also be SEVERE consequences. The purpose of this article is to teach you everything you need to know about the safe use of pregabalin in the treatment of opioid withdrawal.
Let’s start off your learning journey with a basic overview on pregabalin, and then we’ll get into the directions on using pregabalin for opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Table of Contents
Pregabalin Overview
Pregabalin (sold under the brand name Lyrica) is in a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing the number of pain signals that are sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
Pregabalin is typically used in the treatment of:
- Neuropathic pain
- Epilepsy
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Fibromyalgia
Pregabalin is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA and a powerful gabapentiniod.
In its chemical structure, pregabalin is a close structural analogue of GABA, phenibut, gabapentin, baclofen, and GABOB. Pregabalin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that is said to have a low potential for abuse, and as a result, was made a Schedule V drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Why Does Pregabalin Help With Opiate Withdrawal?
Some scientists believe that pregabalin helps with opiate withdrawal due to it modulating monoamine release in “hyper-excited” neurons and because it binds to certain voltage-gated calcium channels.
In a study from 2012, a 43-year-old man that was dependent upon heroin used pregabalin for opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Apparently, this individual previously failed multiple inpatient and outpatient detoxifications using buprenorphine before deciding to use pregabalin for opiate withdrawal.
Here is a direct quote from the study (the grammar is not the best, but it’s the content that matters):
“Finally he disrupted his heroine intake with a simultaneously self administration of 300 mg Pregabaline per day and was able to control the withdrawal symptoms. In this time we did control the Pregabalin level in serum and urine in our outpatient clinic. In the course the patient reported that he could treat further relapse with opiate or opioids with Pregabalin successful. This case shows first details for Pregabalin to relief withdrawal symptoms in opiate withdrawal.”
How To Use Pregabalin For Opiate Withdrawal
Many individuals have benefited from using pregabalin for opiate withdrawal. But while it can help a great deal, one must always use caution before trying new medications.
To help you decide whether or not pregabalin is right for you, I’ve put together some important information that will be helpful to review.
When using pregabalin for opiate withdrawal, make sure to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always use pregabalin under the supervision of a doctor.
- Make sure to review the possible pregabalin side effects and interactions.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions prior to taking pregabalin, especially the ones from this list.
- Only take pregabalin for a few days to a week or two maximum to treat the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Long-term use of pregabalin can lead to psychological and physical dependence (once this happens, you may experience withdrawal symptoms from the abrupt cessation of the drug).
- Doses of 100 mg 2-3 times a day may be sufficient to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms.
- For individuals with severe cases of opioid dependence, up to 200 mg per dose 3x a day may be useful.
Pregabalin For Opiate Withdrawal: Conclusion
Many people have used pregabalin for opiate withdrawal symptoms.
It can be very effective when used properly, however, there can also be significant side effects (such as increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior) and dangerous interactions, so it’s important to ask your doctor if you should use pregabalin for opiate withdrawal.
For people that can’t use pregabalin, or choose not to use medications scheduled by the DEA as having a potential for abuse, there are natural alternatives that may help.
Many individuals going through opiate withdrawal have obtained relief from anxiety and insomnia, as well as many other symptoms, by using a popular Opiate Withdrawal Supplement.
Getting yourself a 30-day supply of this powerful opiate withdrawal supplement might be just what you need to help you get your life back on track.
If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Click here now to view my best home detox program.
If you have any questions or comments about the use of pregabalin for opiate withdrawal, please post them in the comment box below.
I would recommend patients to do a gene study to find out what drugs will actually work for you. I was prescribed 150mg of Lyrica twice daily and had no significant effects for my chronic pain. My next door neighbor however was prescribed a much lower dose and it really sedated her. I did a gene study and found that my body doesn’t process Lyrica efficiently.
I take Lyrics (Pregabalin) for a form of Neurologic Pain and Fibromyalgia already for over 6 years. During that same timeframe I take Suboxone for Long Tem Chronic Pain Management which some people do for it has opiate like pain killing effects with the ingredient Buprenephrine. They sell the medication Belbuca which has Buprenephrine as well approved by the FDA in 2015 for Long Term Crohnic
Pain Control with lower doses of Buprenenohrine. This is unique and I will soon be trying to come off of Suboxone for various reasons it now is causing me more problems than benefits. The fact I already take Lyrica and Suboxone on a regular basis now has me concerned, thoughts?
It depends on how much Lyrica you take. You have a tolerance to it already, so it won’t be as effective compared to if you hadn’t been taking Lyrica. But if you’re on a low dose, taking a high dose of Lyrica should help to reduce symptoms still.
Take 150MG twice a day of Lyrica and 2 MG/.05 Strips of Suboxone three times a day. I am more concerned about interaction problems being on both and if there is none then is it theoretically possible to for a short time increase my Lyrica as a way to get off the Suboxone
By the way I have been using the Lyrica but only at night as it makes me too sleepy during the day. So far between 50 and 75 mg has been sufficient. Thank you for all of your tips. You’re awesome!