Comprehensive medication guide to Pregabalin including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 per month copay for generic pregabalin on most commercial insurance plans (typically Tier 2); Medicare Part D covers pregabalin with varying copays depending on the plan. Prior authorization or step therapy (gabapentin first) may be required by some plans.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$12–$14 per month for generic pregabalin with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon; retail price without a coupon averages around $330 for a 30-day supply. Brand-name Lyrica retails over $1,500 per month without insurance.
Medfinder Findability Score
78/100
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Pregabalin (brand names Lyrica and Lyrica CR) is a prescription medication classified as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog and anticonvulsant. It was first approved by the FDA in December 2004 and is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, used for a range of neurological pain conditions and epilepsy.
The FDA has approved pregabalin for five conditions: diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain from diabetes), postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles), fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain from spinal cord injury, and as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 1 month and older. Physicians also prescribe it off-label for generalized anxiety disorder and restless legs syndrome.
Pregabalin is a DEA Schedule V controlled substance — the lowest level of federal controlled substance scheduling — due to a recognized but relatively low potential for misuse and dependence. Generic pregabalin became available in the US in 2019 and has significantly reduced costs for patients.
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Pregabalin works by binding to the alpha-2-delta (α2δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This is a specific binding site on nerve cell membranes that controls calcium ion flow into neurons. When pregabalin binds to this site, it reduces the amount of calcium entering the nerve cell when it is stimulated.
Reduced calcium influx means fewer excitatory neurotransmitters (like glutamate and substance P) are released into the synapse — the gap between nerve cells. In neuropathic pain conditions, damaged nerves fire pain signals excessively. Pregabalin's calcium channel modulation quiets these overactive pain circuits, reducing the burning, tingling, and shooting sensations associated with nerve pain.
Despite its name as a GABA analog, pregabalin does not bind to GABA-A or GABA-B receptors and does not work like benzodiazepines. It also does not interact with the liver's CYP450 enzyme system, giving it a clean drug interaction profile. It is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, with a half-life of approximately 6.3 hours.
25 mg — capsule
Starting dose for sensitive patients or pediatric use
50 mg — capsule
Low-dose option for titration
75 mg — capsule
Common starting dose for neuropathic pain (75 mg twice daily)
100 mg — capsule
Mid-range dose option
150 mg — capsule
Common maintenance dose for neuropathic pain
200 mg — capsule
Higher strength option
225 mg — capsule
Higher strength option
300 mg — capsule
Maximum single-dose capsule; common in divided-dose regimens
20 mg/mL — oral solution
Liquid formulation for patients who cannot swallow capsules
82.5 mg — extended-release tablet
Lyrica CR - once-daily for DPN or PHN
165 mg — extended-release tablet
Lyrica CR - once-daily maintenance dose
330 mg — extended-release tablet
Lyrica CR - once-daily high-dose option
Pregabalin is not on the FDA's active drug shortage list as of 2026. Generic pregabalin has been produced by multiple manufacturers since 2019, providing a generally stable national supply. Most major pharmacy chains carry it routinely, and it earns a findability score of 78/100.
However, temporary stock-outs at individual pharmacies do occur — particularly for less common strengths (e.g., 200 mg, 225 mg, oral solution) or in areas with high demand. Pregabalin's Schedule V controlled substance status also means pharmacies must comply with additional ordering rules, which can slow restocking. The extended-release Lyrica CR formulation is less widely stocked than immediate-release capsules.
If your pharmacy doesn't have pregabalin in stock, medfinder can contact pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription — saving you hours of calls on hold.
Pregabalin is a DEA Schedule V controlled substance, which means it can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with an active DEA registration number. A wide range of medical professionals qualify, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who are DEA-registered in their state.
Types of healthcare providers who commonly prescribe pregabalin:
Telehealth availability: Pregabalin can be prescribed via telehealth under DEA flexibilities extended through December 31, 2026. DEA-registered providers licensed in your state may prescribe Schedule V medications via video or phone consultation without a prior in-person visit, provided all regulatory conditions are met. This greatly expands access for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.
Yes. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a DEA Schedule V controlled substance — the lowest level of federal scheduling, indicating accepted medical use with relatively low (but recognized) potential for abuse compared to higher schedules. The DEA classified pregabalin as Schedule V when it was approved in 2005, based on clinical trial data showing that approximately 4% of participants experienced euphoria, and the drug's dependence profile was similar to mild sedatives.
Pregabalin is not a narcotic (opioid). It does not act on opioid receptors and is structurally unrelated to opioids. However, as a Schedule V drug, prescribers must comply with state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) requirements before issuing prescriptions, and pharmacies must track dispensing. Telehealth prescribing of pregabalin is permitted under DEA flexibilities extended through December 31, 2026.
Abrupt discontinuation of pregabalin can cause withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, and in severe cases, seizures. Always taper pregabalin gradually under medical supervision when discontinuing. Patients with a history of substance use disorder should discuss the risks and monitoring plan with their prescriber before starting pregabalin.
Common side effects (affecting 10% or more of patients) include:
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Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Same mechanism of action (α2δ calcium channel binding), not federally scheduled, significantly less expensive ($10–$30/month with coupons), requires 3x-daily dosing. First-line alternative for most neuropathic pain indications.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
SNRI antidepressant FDA-approved for diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Not a controlled substance, available as generic. Preferred when comorbid depression or anxiety is present. Not appropriate for seizure management.
Amitriptyline
Tricyclic antidepressant used off-label for neuropathic pain at low doses (10–75 mg at bedtime). Very inexpensive, helps with sleep, but anticholinergic effects limit use in older adults. Not appropriate for seizures.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Anticonvulsant particularly effective for trigeminal neuralgia. Requires blood-level monitoring. An option for certain neuropathic pain types and seizure disorders as an alternative to pregabalin.
Prefer Pregabalin? We can find it.
Opioid analgesics (oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl)
majorMajor interaction: significantly increases risk of respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing), excessive sedation, and death. FDA requires a prominent warning about this combination.
Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam)
majorMajor interaction: additive CNS depression leading to excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and impaired coordination. Avoid combination or monitor closely.
Alcohol (ethanol)
majorSignificantly amplifies pregabalin's sedating effects. Even 1–2 drinks can cause pronounced drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination impairment. Avoid alcohol while taking pregabalin.
Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia)
moderateModerate interaction: combination significantly increases fluid retention (peripheral edema) and weight gain beyond what either drug causes alone. Particularly relevant for diabetic neuropathy patients.
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, etc.)
moderateModerate interaction: both pregabalin and ACE inhibitors can cause angioedema (dangerous swelling). Combined use may increase the risk. Monitor for facial, throat, or airway swelling.
Muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine, baclofen)
moderateModerate interaction: additive CNS depression with increased risk of sedation and impaired coordination.
Sleep medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone)
moderateModerate interaction: additive sedation and CNS depression. Avoid combination when possible.
Pregabalin (Lyrica) is one of the most established medications for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. With FDA approval since 2004 and generics available since 2019, it has a well-understood safety profile and has helped millions of patients manage chronic conditions that significantly impair quality of life.
For patients on long-term therapy, the key practical concerns in 2026 are affordability (use GoodRx or SingleCare to reduce generic costs to $12–$14/month), pharmacy availability (not in a national shortage, but individual pharmacies can temporarily run out, especially for less common strengths), and safe use (never stop abruptly — taper gradually under medical supervision). Patients on opioids or benzodiazepines should discuss the serious interaction risk with their prescriber.
If you're having trouble filling your pregabalin prescription, medfinder can help by contacting pharmacies near you to find which ones have your specific dose in stock. Don't let a temporary pharmacy stock-out lead to an unsafe gap in your treatment.
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