How does pregabalin work, and how can it alleviate benzo withdrawals?

Pregabalin, often sold under the brand name Lyrica, is a medication that is primarily used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as gabapentinoids. The exact mechanism through which pregabalin works is not completely understood, but it's known to have an effect on calcium channels in the brain and nervous system: Modulation of Calcium Channels : Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This action reduces the release of neurotransmitters including glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P. This can have an analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic effect. Reduction of Excitatory Neurotransmission : By reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, pregabalin can reduce the excitation of neurons, which is helpful in conditions like epilepsy and also contributes to its anxiolytic and pain-relief properties. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal, pregabalin can sometimes be used to help manage some of the symptoms. This is how it might contribute: Anxiety Relief : Pregabalin has anxiolytic properties, meaning it can reduce anxiety. Since anxiety is a common symptom of benzodiazepine withdrawal, pregabalin might be helpful in alleviating this symptom. Reduction in Agitation and Insomnia : The calming effect of pregabalin can also help with other symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal such as agitation and insomnia. However, it's very important to use caution when using pregabalin for benzodiazepine withdrawal: Medical Supervision is Essential : Managing benzodiazepine withdrawal can be complex and potentially dangerous, and should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Pregabalin should be used as part of a comprehensive withdrawal plan that is monitored by a healthcare professional. Risk of Dependence : Like benzodiazepines, pregabalin has the potential for dependence and withdrawal. It should be used carefully and ideally for a short duration to mitigate the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Dosage and Tapering : The appropriate dosage and duration of pregabalin for managing benzodiazepine withdrawal will vary depending on the individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider. In summary, while pregabalin can have benefits in managing some of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, it should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

Does Lyrica Help With Benzodiazepine Detox?

Benzodiazepine addiction has rapidly become one of the most significant drug-related issues throughout the country. However, despite this fact, most Americans who have been prescribed this type of medication or who take it for recreational purposes have no idea what a serious threat it poses.

Some of the more common types of benzodiazepines include Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax. These medications are most commonly used to treat severe anxiety disorders. They are rarely prescribed to be taken for more than several weeks because of their addictive nature.

Table of Contents

1 How Lyrics Works and Applying it to Benzo Detox
2 Is Lyrica Beneficial for Benzodiazepine Detox?
3 Does Lyrica Help With Benzo Detox?
4 More About Lyrica and Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
5 Benzodiazepine Detoxification is a Long Process
6 Medical Benzo Detox Program at Allure Detox Center
7 FAQ

How Lyrics Works and Applying it to Benzo Detox

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be hazardous unless it is closely monitored in a designated detox facility. Unlike other prescription medications, like prescription opioids and prescription stimulants, benzodiazepine withdrawal can result in many health-related severe complications, including grand mal seizures, coma, and even death and very extreme cases. Several detox methods have proven effective for the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Is Lyrica Beneficial for Benzodiazepine Detox?

The most common methods of benzodiazepine detox include tapering, medication-assisted treatment, and psychotherapy. Most detox centers also introduce their clients to the 12-step process of addiction recovery, seeing as this is an essential tool for maintaining long-term sobriety.

As it stands, medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective treatment options for benzodiazepine detox. Recently, several studies have pointed out that Lyrica, also known as pregabalin (the generic name for the medication), can help alleviate the more severe symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal. But what exactly is Lyrica, and how does it help with benzodiazepine detox?

Does Lyrica Help With Benzodiazepine Detox?

Does Lyrica Help With Benzo Detox?

A recent study published in European Psychiatry suggests that Lyrica can help alleviate the more severe symptoms associated with benzodiazepine detox. The study’s conclusion means that this is an efficacious treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal, but it is much more effective when combined with other proven detox methods. Lyrica itself is most commonly prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, epilepsy, or chronic nerve pain.

This medication works by reducing the pain signals that the central nervous system sends to the brain. It is not a narcotic; it is an anticonvulsant medication that can be habit-forming but is not more addictive than an opioid narcotic. While numerous studies are still taking place, there is ample scientific evidence that points towards the fact that this medication can be highly beneficial in preventing symptoms of benzodiazepine detox that can lead to serious health-related complications.

More About Lyrica and Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

As previously mentioned, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be hazardous unless it is closely monitored in a medical detox facility. Generally speaking, two distinct phases are associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, and these two phases are the acute withdrawal phase and the protracted withdrawal phase. While Lyrica may be helpful in this process, it is generally not recommended nor used by medical detox facilities as part of the medication regimen for benzo detox.

The acute withdrawal phase of benzodiazepine detox generally lasts for between 5 days and two whole weeks. Symptoms that coincide with the acute withdrawal phase are typically more severe, and it is more important that they are monitored around the clock in a detox facility. The symptoms associated with the acute phase of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

Muscle aches and pains
Restlessness
Agitation and irritability
Confusion and disorientation
Feelings of depression, which can lead to suicidal ideation
Significant feelings of anxiety can lead to panic attacks when left untreated
Profuse sweating
Heart palpitations
Extreme dizziness

Benzodiazepine Detoxification is a Long Process

Once the acute symptoms begin to subside, the protracted withdrawal phase begins. Depending on how severe the benzodiazepine abuse disorder was, the prolonged withdrawal phase can last for 12 full months. Symptoms associated with prolonged benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

Mild anxiety and depression
Sleep-related issues like insomnia
A loss of appetite, which can lead to temporary weight loss
Mood swings, usually marked by agitation and irritability
An inability to pay attention
General feelings of physical discomfort
Persistent headaches
Restlessness

Medical Benzo Detox Program at Allure Detox Center

The good news is that if you or your loved one enters into a program of benzodiazepine detox, these symptoms can all be alleviated. At Allure Detox, we have extensive experience treating all symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, regardless of how severe they are. To learn more about our detox program, pick up the phone and give us a call today.

FAQ

How does pregabalin work, and how can it alleviate benzo withdrawals?
Pregabalin, often sold under the brand name Lyrica, is a medication that is primarily used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as gabapentinoids.

The exact mechanism through which pregabalin works is not completely understood, but it’s known to have an effect on calcium channels in the brain and nervous system:
1. Modulation of Calcium Channels: Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This action reduces the release of neurotransmitters including glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P. This can have an analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic effect.
2. Reduction of Excitatory Neurotransmission: By reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, pregabalin can reduce the excitation of neurons, which is helpful in conditions like epilepsy and also contributes to its anxiolytic and pain-relief properties.
Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal, pregabalin can sometimes be used to help manage some of the symptoms. This is how it might contribute:
1. Anxiety Relief: Pregabalin has anxiolytic properties, meaning it can reduce anxiety. Since anxiety is a common symptom of benzodiazepine withdrawal, pregabalin might be helpful in alleviating this symptom.
2. Reduction in Agitation and Insomnia: The calming effect of pregabalin can also help with other symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal such as agitation and insomnia.
However, it’s very important to use caution when using pregabalin for benzodiazepine withdrawal:
1. Medical Supervision is Essential: Managing benzodiazepine withdrawal can be complex and potentially dangerous, and should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Pregabalin should be used as part of a comprehensive withdrawal plan that is monitored by a healthcare professional.
2. Risk of Dependence: Like benzodiazepines, pregabalin has the potential for dependence and withdrawal. It should be used carefully and ideally for a short duration to mitigate the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
3. Dosage and Tapering: The appropriate dosage and duration of pregabalin for managing benzodiazepine withdrawal will vary depending on the individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
In summary, while pregabalin can have benefits in managing some of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, it should be used with caution and under medical supervision.