Does Pregabalin Make You Sleepy?

If you are someone who suffers from nerve pain, you must have been prescribed Pregabalin by your doctor. Now, the use of any medicine is related to a number of side effects, so the question arises: Does pregabalin make you sleepy?

In this blog, we will see if the use of Pregabalin can cause sleepiness, along with its other side effects, and the best ways to manage its side effects.

What Is Pregabalin and How Does It Work?

Pregabalin is a pain medicine that helps to treat nerve pain. It is also effective in preventing and controlling seizures in people with epilepsy [1]. This medicine is also used for postherpetic neuralgia (pain that occurs after shingles) and pain caused by spinal cord injury and nerve damage from diabetes [2]. The Pregabalin tablet is available under the brand name Lyrica and is also known by other generic names such as Nervigeisc. It works in the central nervous system and helps by calming the overactive nerves in the body.

Pregabalin is a prescription medicine and should only be taken under medical supervision. Your doctor will prescribe you lower doses like Nervigesic 75mg, which can be gradually increased based on the severity of the pain.

Does Pregabalin Cause Sleepiness?

Yes, Pregabalin commonly causes sleepiness. This is because Pregabalin works by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain. Because of this effect, it can also slow down brain activity in a way that makes you feel dizzy, drowsy, or sleepy, and less alert.

In fact, sleepiness is the second most common side effect of Lyrica or Pregabalin [3]. It is commonly seen when-

• You first start taking this pain medicine.
• Taking a dose of 300mg per day or more [3].

This may increase the risk of falls and injury, so this pain medicine should be used with caution. Studies show that 23% of the adults taking Pregabalin experience drowsiness and 30% feel dizzy after taking a dose [4].

Sleepiness caused by Pregabalin can improve over time; in some people, it can last as long as the treatment continues.

How Long Does Sleepiness Last?

Drowsiness caused by taking Pregabalin peaks within 1 to 4 hours after ingestion and may last for about 6 hours. It depends on the drug’s elimination half-life, and individual tolerance may develop within a few weeks of continuous use [5].

Factors Affecting Drowsiness Duration

• The intake of food can delay the time to peak concentration, but does not affect the overall extent of absorption or elimination half-life. This means that drowsiness onset may be delayed by 1 to 2 hours.
• Higher doses may produce more pronounced and prolonged drowsiness compared to lower doses.
• Elderly people may experience prolonged drowsiness due to age-related decline in renal function.
• Patients with renal or kidney disorders have experienced prolonged drowsiness.

Pregabalin For Insomnia

The use of Pregabalin tablets can also help with insomnia in a few users. A 2013 study on the effects of pregabalin on sleep in generalized anxiety disorder suggests that Pregabalin is an effective and well‑tolerated treatment option for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who also suffer from insomnia. It improves sleep quality across different types of insomnia, reduces functional impairment, and enhances quality of life, with fewer sedative side effects compared to benzodiazepines [6].

Another study suggests that pregabalin improves sleep quality in a dose-dependent manner, especially in patients with neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Higher doses (above 300 mg/day) generally led to better results. The benefits appeared quickly after starting treatment and were maintained over time [7].

Other Common Side Effects of Pregabalin

The other common side effects of Pregabalin include-

• Trouble concentrating
• Swelling of your hands or feet
• Blurry vision
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Swelling of the hands and feet.

Serious side effects of Pregabalin include-

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, and gums.
• Rash
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression or anxiety
• Agitation
• Chest pain
• Decrease in eyesight
• Blurry vision
• Changes in the heart rhythm
• Weight gain.

Tips to Manage Sleepiness While Taking Pregabalin

It is recommended to avoid taking Pregabalin with other medicines that cause drowsiness, such as muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and sleep medications. You should also avoid taking alcohol with Pregabalin. In such a situation, it is important to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving and operating machinery. If sleepiness from taking Pregabalin is affecting your daily activity, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosing timing to night. This can help you manage daytime sleepiness.

Does Pregabalin Make You Sleepy- Our Final Thoughts

Pregabalin is an effective treatment for nerve-related pain, but it may result in side effects such as drowsiness or sleepiness. This drowsiness occurs because the medicine works by calming overactive nerve activity in the brain, which can also reduce alertness. While this effect is usually more noticeable when starting treatment or at higher doses, many people find that it improves as their body adjusts over time.

At the same time, this sedative effect can be beneficial for some individuals, particularly those who struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep due to chronic pain or anxiety. The impact of Pregabalin varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as dosage, overall health, and individual tolerance.

If sleepiness becomes difficult, simple strategies like adjusting the timing of your dose, avoiding alcohol, and being cautious with other sedating medications can help manage its effects.