Pregabalin Addiction
You're not alone
Pregabalin is a prescribed medicine used for nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder. Some people develop physical dependence while taking it as directed. Others find that their use becomes difficult to control. These experiences are not the same, and understanding the difference helps people seek appropriate support. [7, 1]
Medically reviewed and approved by: Dr Mann, GP
Medical review date: 15 October 2026
What is Pregabalin Addiction?
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medicines called gabapentinoids. Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a medicine and symptoms may develop when it is reduced. Addiction involves difficulty controlling use, often despite harm. A person can be physically dependent without having an addiction. Pregabalin is a Class C controlled drug in the UK. [7, 1, 8]
Recognising the Signs
There is no single sign that confirms pregabalin addiction. What matters is the overall pattern, its effect on daily life and whether the person can control their use. [1]
Behavioural Signs
- taking more than prescribed
- obtaining additional supplies
- repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- continuing use despite problems at home or work.
Physical Signs
- dizziness, sleepiness and impaired coordination can occur with pregabalin use. [7, 1]
Withdrawal symptoms after reducing a prescribed dose do not alone establish addiction. [7, 1]
What Causes Pregabalin Addiction?
There is no single cause. Difficulties may develop when someone takes increasing amounts, uses the medicine for effects other than its prescribed purpose or relies on it to manage distress. A clinical assessment considers prescribing history, other substances, physical health and mental wellbeing. [7, 1]
Brain and medicine effects
Pregabalin changes signalling in the nervous system. With ongoing use, some people develop physical dependence and experience symptoms when their dose is reduced. This is not the same as a diagnosis of addiction. [1, 2]
Patterns of use
A person’s history of substance use, access to medication and social circumstances can influence the support they need. NICE advises clinicians to consider individual circumstances and factors associated with withdrawal difficulties, rather than applying a standard approach to everyone. [1]
Mental health and circumstances
Pregabalin may be prescribed for generalised anxiety disorder. If anxiety returns during a reduction, it can be difficult to distinguish withdrawal from the original condition. Treatment planning should consider both possibilities and ensure appropriate ongoing care. [1, 4]
The Impact on Your Health
Pregabalin can be helpful when prescribed appropriately, but adverse effects and unsafe combinations can cause harm. The risks should be discussed without assuming that every person taking pregabalin will experience them. [2, 4]
Physical Health Risks
- pregabalin can cause drowsiness and dizziness. [7, 5]
- Combining it with opioids or other medicines that suppress breathing can increase the risk of respiratory depression. [7, 5]
Mental Health Risks
- problematic use may affect concentration, relationships and responsibilities. [7, 5]
- Individual risks depend on health, dose and other substances used. [7, 5]
Important: If someone has a seizure, collapses, cannot be woken or has severe breathing difficulties, call 999. For urgent concerns without immediate danger, contact NHS 111. [3, 4]
Recovery is possible. Safe care begins with understanding the person’s medicine use, health and goals. A gradual reduction may be appropriate, and addiction treatment may include psychological support. [1]
Your Path to Recovery
Treatment should be based on an individual assessment. Not everyone with pregabalin dependence needs residential rehabilitation, and not everyone with addiction needs the same approach. [1]
Medical Assessment and Withdrawal
a prescriber reviews the medicine, other substances and withdrawal risk. [1]
Withdrawal symptoms may develop when pregabalin is reduced or stopped. These can include anxiety, sleep disturbance, nausea, sweating and headache. Symptoms and duration vary. A person taking pregabalin for epilepsy should seek prescribing advice before any dose change. [7, 1]
Residential Treatment
where appropriate, structured support at The Lighthouse in Essex can address addiction and recovery needs. [1]
Ongoing Support
aftercare and community support can help people maintain progress. [1]
Outpatient support may be appropriate for some people. Residential treatment at The Lighthouse may provide a structured setting for those who need it. Continued recovery support can include therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare. Treatment is based on the person’s needs rather than a standard pathway.
Pregabalin should not be stopped suddenly without medical advice. [1]
Common Questions
FAQs
Here are some common questions based on the information already covered on this page. If you would rather speak to someone privately, our team is available to help.
Can prescribed pregabalin cause dependence?
Yes, even when taken as directed. [7, 1]
Does dependence mean addiction?
No. [7, 1]
Can I stop suddenly?
Speak to your prescriber first; abrupt cessation may cause withdrawal symptoms and seizures. [7, 1]
How long does withdrawal last?
It varies and depends on the person and their reduction plan. [7, 1, 5]
What if I take opioids too?
Tell your clinician because combined use can increase breathing risks. [7, 1, 5]
Is residential care always needed?
No. The right setting depends on assessment. [7, 1]
How much does treatment cost?
Costs depend on the treatment recommended after assessment and the length of stay. Contact the admissions team for current options and a personalised quote.
Other Addictions We Treat
Pregabalin is a prescription medicine. Step By Step Recovery also provides information and treatment support for other substance addictions.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Support for difficulties involving prescription medicines, including benzodiazepines and opioid painkillers. Withdrawal plans should be specific to each medicine. [1]
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol dependence may require its own withdrawal assessment and treatment. Tell the clinician about alcohol use before making changes to pregabalin. [1]
Cocaine Addiction
Some people use more than one substance. A full assessment helps identify risks and plan support for each pattern of use. [1]
Learn more about cocaine addiction, its effects and available treatment support.
Three specialised Clinics
Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Essex, London and Birmingham
Residential assessment and rehabilitation are available through The Lighthouse in Essex. Step by Step Recovery also operates outpatient services in London and Birmingham. Confirm the most appropriate location during the admissions assessment.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- Residential treatment at The Lighthouse
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Outpatient assessment and treatment options.
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Outpatient assessment and treatment options.
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 0121 401 1700
Start Your Recovery Safely
If pregabalin use is becoming difficult to manage, speak to our team confidentially on 0800 170 1222. If you are prescribed pregabalin, do not change your dose without speaking to your prescriber.
Your enquiry is completely confidential. We’re here to help, not to judge.
Clinical References
[1] NICE NG215: Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms, recommendations. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng215/chapter/Recommendations
[2] NHS: Common questions about pregabalin. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/common-questions-about-pregabalin/
[3] NHS: How and when to take pregabalin. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/how-and-when-to-take-pregabalin/
[4] NHS: About pregabalin and side effects. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/about-pregabalin/
[5] MHRA: Pregabalin and risk of severe respiratory depression. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/pregabalin-lyrica-reports-of-severe-respiratory-depression
[6] Electronic Medicines Compendium: Lyrica summary of product characteristics, renal impairment and withdrawal. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5539/smpc
[7] NHS, Pregabalin: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/
[8] UK Government, Pregabalin and gabapentin to be controlled as Class C drugs: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pregabalin-and-gabapentin-to-be-controlled-as-class-c-drugs
[9] NHS, When to call 999: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/