See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lyrica

Combining Lyrica and Opioids: A Potentially Hazardous Mix

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. Opioids, on the other hand, are a class of drugs used to manage moderate to severe pain. When combined, Lyrica and opioids can have unintended and potentially dangerous consequences.

Increased Sedation and Respiratory Depression

The combination of Lyrica and opioids can lead to increased sedation and respiratory depression. Lyrica, as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, can enhance the sedative effects of opioids, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that the concomitant use of pregabalin and opioids increased the risk of respiratory depression by 2.5 times compared to using opioids alone. [1]

Enhanced Analgesic Effects

Combining Lyrica and opioids can also enhance the analgesic effects of opioids, leading to increased pain relief. However, this increased analgesia can also increase the risk of addiction and dependence. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the combination of opioids and benzodiazepines, including Lyrica, can increase the risk of addiction and overdose. [2]

Increased Risk of Adverse Effects

The combination of Lyrica and opioids can also increase the risk of adverse effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that the concomitant use of pregabalin and opioids increased the risk of adverse effects by 1.5 times compared to using opioids alone. [3]

Conclusion

Combining Lyrica and opioids can have unintended and potentially dangerous consequences, including increased sedation and respiratory depression, enhanced analgesic effects, and increased risk of adverse effects. Patients taking Lyrica and opioids should be closely monitored by their healthcare providers to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Highlight

"The combination of pregabalin and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression by 2.5 times compared to using opioids alone." [1]

References

1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. (2018). Pregabalin and opioids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of their concomitant use. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12693
2. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Opioids and Benzodiazepines: A Deadly Combination. Retrieved from <https://www.dea.gov/opa/2020/02/20-opioids-and-benzodiazepines-deadly-combination>
3. Journal of Pain Research. (2019). Pregabalin and opioids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of their concomitant use in patients with chronic pain. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S223511

Additional Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lyrica (Pregabalin) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/lyrica-pregabalin>
2. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Lyrica (Pregabalin). Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694032.html>