Are you one of the 16 million people who have taken Lyrica since 2005? If you take Lyrica (or pregabalin) to control seizures or pain, then you’re not alone.
Lyrica has a number of side effects, both while you’re taking it and during withdrawal. It’s normal to wonder how long those effects can last.
If you’re subjected to drug screenings for work or legal reasons, then you may be wondering if anti-epileptic drugs like Lyrica can show up on a drug test.
From how long it takes to start working to whether it shows up on a urine test, we’ve done the research for you.
Read ahead to learn how long Lyrica stays in your system and more:
How Long Does Lyrica Cause Effects?
After you take Lyrica by mouth, it reaches the digestive system, where your body starts to absorb the drug. Side effects can start anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours later, including dizziness or sleepiness.
Dizziness from Lyrica can last for anywhere from one to seven weeks. Sleepiness can last anywhere from three weeks to 10 weeks. Sometimes dizziness and sleepiness don’t go away with time.
It usually takes a few weeks of daily use for Lyrica to start decreasing pain. Seizure control usually happens more quickly.
When you stop using Lyrica, you may have withdrawal symptoms. This can happen even when you taper the drug. Once you stop taking Lyrica, pain relief usually goes away as soon as withdrawal symptoms start.
The body and brain effects of withdrawal can include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Delirium
- Mood changes
- Tremors
The effects of Lyrica detox last about a week after the last dose. Because of these effects, it’s important to tell your doctor if you’re stopping Lyrica.
How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Lab Tests?
The length of time that Lyrica can show up on a drug test depends on:
- The duration of use: The longer you’ve been using Lyrica, the more likely it is that it will show up on a test much later.
- The dosage: Smaller doses of Lyrica may clear your system faster than large doses.
- The frequency of use: If you use Lyrica more often than directed, then it could show up on a test for longer. That holds true for many drug tests.
- The kind of test: In general, hair tests can detect drugs for the longest, and blood tests for the shortest period of time.
- Whether you have a drug abuse history: Abusing Lyrica or other drugs can extend the time it shows up on a test.
These factors are not the same for everyone. And that’s not even considering factors such as metabolism or genetics!
How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Your Urine?
Pregabalin is detectable in urine for 2 to 4 days after the last use.
This test is available as a commercial drug test, so it’s possible that a probation officer or employer could test for Lyrica. However, they would need a reason to think that you’re abusing Lyrica since it’s not part of a standard 12-panel drug test.
How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Your Hair?
Hair tests can detect Lyrica at least 30 days after the last use and possibly longer. These tests are used for two purposes. They include:
- Monitoring patients using Lyrica therapeutically
- Monitoring clients who are dependent on Lyrica
How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Your Blood?
Doctors often do blood tests for Lyrica if they need to check levels in patients who have trouble processing the drug. If you have kidney disease, then your doctor may check your blood serum levels of Lyrica.
Lyrica has a short half-life of just 6.3 hours and it can stay in your blood for about five half-lives. That means blood tests can detect Lyrica for around 31.5 hours.
That’s just an estimate. The actual length of time Lyrica stays in the blood depends on your health and other factors.
How Long Does Lyrica Stay in Your Saliva?
Like your blood, Lyrica can stay in your saliva for around five half-lives or 31.5 hours. In some cases, researchers have reported detecting Lyrica for 48 hours after the last time it was taken.
Saliva tests for Lyrica are uncommon. You may receive a buccal swab for Lyrica if your employer or a legal representative thinks you’ve been abusing the drug.
Can You Detox From Lyrica Faster?
You can’t do anything to detox from Lyrica faster. Your detox time depends on factors, like your:
- Drug use history, including both prescription and illicit drugs
- Health, especially your kidney and metabolic health
- Metabolism, which is affected by your age, weight, lifestyle, and more
It’s typical for Lyrica detox to take about a week. It varies somewhat based on your individual case.
Talk to your doctor before detoxing from Lyrica. Stopping the drug abruptly leads to withdrawal syndrome, which can be painful and distressing.
Get Help For Lyrica Abuse And Prescription Drug Addiction
If you’re worried about failing a drug screening because of Lyrica, it’s a good time to look for help.
Our treatment specialists are here to get you through addiction treatment and into recovery. We offer proven addiction therapies such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Motivational interviewing
Every treatment plan at Recovering Champions is customized to meet your needs as a unique client. Pick up the phone now and make the call that will change your life!
This content is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult with an attorney before making decisions that could lead to drug charges.
