New and worrying data recently released suggests that drug overdose death in the US increased by 15% in 2021! That sobering number will likely rise if the likes of Lyrica addiction continue to flourish.
Transcend Recovery Community is a recovery expert aiming to illuminate the minds of people and bring awareness to various types of drug abuse, such as Lyrica addiction. Allow us to educate you on what you need to know, including signs and symptoms and what to do when you encounter this condition. Continue reading to find out more.
What is Lyrica?
Lyrica is a drug that's used to treat neuropathic pain, such as restless leg syndrome, spinal cord injury, nerve pain caused by nerve damage, and seizures such as epilepsy. It's made of a chemical called pregabalin, which is also known as a gabapentinoid.
Pregabalin is one of the many types of anticonvulsants and an analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It binds to voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the central nervous system (CNS), which regulate pain and anxiety.
Lyrica comes in capsule form and must be taken every day. The commonly prescribed dosage ranges usually between 300 mg and 600 mg depending on your needs. It may also be used to treat hot flashes.
The most common side effects include:
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- weight gain or loss
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
Lyrica High Explained - Can You Get High from Lyrica?
There are several ways you can get high from Lyrica, including:
1. Taking too much Lyrica which eventually will make you feel high.
2. Mixing drugs with Lyrica may cause an overdose.
3. Using the Lyrica drug recreationally which may lead to addiction problems
As people abuse Lyrica, they may develop a chemical dependence on the drug which may lead to severe Lyrica addiction. It's important to identify right away if someone is constantly abusing Lyrica so that proper help and rehabilitation assistance could be given right away.
Does Lyrica Give Your Energy?
Can you derive energy from taking Lyrica? The short answer is no, you cannot. Lyrica is not a stimulant, nor does it contain any energy-boosting ingredients. However, many people report feeling more energized after taking this medication than they did before they started taking it.
This is because Lyrica works by decreasing the number of pain signals sent from your body to your brain—which means that your brain doesn't have to work as hard to process those signals and make sense of them. This leaves more resources available for other tasks, like thinking about how you feel right now (and whether or not you're tired).
Mixing Lyrica and Alcohol
The short answer is that people mix Lyrica with alcohol because it makes them feel good. The long answer is that people mix Lyrica with alcohol because it makes them feel good in a way that's different from how alcohol normally makes them feel.
Similar to individuals combining muscle relaxers & alcohol, it's not uncommon for those who take Lyrica to experience a "high" when they take the drug, but this feeling is different from that experienced by those taking other types of medication. This high is mainly characterized by feelings of euphoria, happiness, and a relaxing sensation; it also increases one's libido. Unlike many other drugs, Lyrica doesn't cause you to feel like you're disconnected from reality or out of control—it just makes you feel good.
Because of this unique effect on the brain and body, some users have found that mixing Lyrica with alcohol increases the chances of an even better high than if they were taking both substances separately.
Mixing these two drugs together can cause dangerous side effects such as:
- seizures
- abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- panic attacks
- liver damage
- poor coordination
- impaired judgment
Mixing Lyrica and Wellbutrin
Mixing Lyrica and Wellbutrin together is not recommended because it can cause a potentially dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is caused when there are too many receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin in your body.
This can lead to symptoms like:
- confusion
- agitation
- shivering or shaking
- muscle rigidity
- irregular breathing patterns
- nausea
- suicidal thoughts
- urination difficulties
- decreased fertility
- impaired judgment
In some cases, serotonin syndrome can be fatal if left untreated. People who have grown psychologically dependent or may have habitually used the drug recreationally may need to seek professional help to fully recover from Lyrica abuse. This may involve a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment that may deal with an individual's chemical dependence and any withdrawal symptoms that may appear as a result.
How to Identify Lyrica Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one is abusing Lyrica, there are a few signs to look out for. First of all, you may notice that they're experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they've recently stopped taking the drug. This can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- shaking
- confusion
If your loved one has a history of substance abuse problems (such as alcoholism and dual diagnosis disorders), then they may be abusing Lyrica to get high. If this is the case then there are several other signs that you might notice:
- They have changed their behavior significantly (for example: being more outgoing).
- They have stopped going to work or school regularly because of "illness."
- They have unexplained financial issues (such as running up charges on credit cards).
- Their moods fluctuate dramatically between euphoria and depression.
Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of Lyrica abuse are the same as those of other types of drug dependence. They are:
- Physical symptoms:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- motor control issues
- Psychological symptoms:
- anxiety
- insomnia
- depression
- panic attacks
- suicidal thoughts
- Neurological symptoms.
- headaches
- seizures
People who are suffering from Lyrica addiction or have constantly engaged in substance abuse with a prescription drug should not only seek medical help for rehabilitation but also consider other options such as staying at a sober living residence, such as a halfway house to ensure that they can truly recover from physical and emotional pain caused by prescribed Lyrica drug abuse.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Assist with Lyrica Addiction?
Transcend Recovery Community aids people who constantly abuse Lyrica or are taking Lyrica excessively for pleasure to change their ways and live a life of sobriety and purpose. This is not limited to Lyrica addiction but also other nervous system depressants and other prescriptions with the potential for abuse.
Through spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical guidance, we help people get better so that they have a brighter chance in life, allowing them to reconnect to society with much ease.
Contact us and talk to our specialist to better understand how Transcend's program can guide you toward a drug-free and addiction-free life.
