Managing Pain While Taking Pregabalin: What Painkillers Can You Take?

If you are taking pregabalin for pain relief, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any additional painkillers. Some painkillers can interact with pregabalin and increase the risk of side effects, while others may not be effective when taken with pregabalin.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe to take with pregabalin. It is a pain reliever that works differently from pregabalin, and does not interact with it. However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosages and avoid taking more than the recommended amount, as taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), can also be taken with pregabalin, but you should talk to your healthcare provider first. NSAIDs can increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with pregabalin, so your healthcare provider may need to monitor your kidney function if you are taking these medications together.

Opioid Painkillers

Opioid painkillers, such as codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, should be used with caution when taken with pregabalin. These medications can increase the risk of respiratory depression when taken with pregabalin, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or monitor you closely if you are taking these medications together.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and inform them of any new medications or supplements you plan to take while on pregabalin. They can help you determine the best pain management strategy for your individual needs.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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