Is Lyrica a controlled substance / narcotic?

Yes, Lyrica (pregabalin) is a Schedule V (Schedule 5) controlled substance, the lowest schedule for abuse potential, as defined by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

No, it is not a narcotic (opioid), but is used to treat various types of nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy, herpes zoster), as well as epilepsy, fibromyalgia and spinal cord injury.

Both Lyrica and Lyrica CR are classified as schedule V controlled substances because of reports of euphoria, improved happiness, excitement, or calmness, and a "high" similar to marijuana with use of pregabalin.

In general, medications in schedule V are considered to have a low potential for abuse compared to medicines in other schedules I-IV. Medicines in Schedule V are most commonly used to treat diarrhea, cough or mild pain. Certain anticonvulsants and antimigraine agents are also found in Schedule V.

Learn more: The Controlled Substances Act (CSA)

Abuse is the intentional, non-medical use of a drug, even once, for its desirable effects (“high” or “euphoria”). Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of drug abuse. Abuse may lead to dependence or addiction.

However, Lyrica is not known to be active at receptor sites associated with drugs of abuse. Exactly how pregabalin works is not fully known, but it is thought to work by slowing down chemicals in the brain that transmit seizure or pain signals across the nervous system.

Examples of Schedule V prescription drugs include:

• Briviact (brivaracetam): an anticonvulsant
• Codeine in cough preparations (less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters)
• Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate): an antidiarrheal
• Motofen (diphenoxin and atropine sulfate): an antidiarrheal
• Lyrica, Lyrica CR (pregabablin): an anticonvulsant and nerve pain drug
• Reyvow (lasmiditan): for migraine treatment

Tell your doctor If you take any opioid (narcotic) pain medicine (such as codeine or hydrocodone), anxiety medicines (such as lorazepam) or insomnia medicines (such as zolpidem).

Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you use alcohol or have a breathing disorder like asthma or COPD. You may have a higher chance for dizziness, sleepiness or serious breathing problems if you take these medicines with pregabalin. Elderly patients may be at a high risk for complications if Lyrica is combined with an opioid.

Related: What is Lyrica used to treat?

This is not all the information you need to know about Lyrica (pregabalin) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.