MAJOR — Use With Caution
🔴 AVOID — FDA 2019 safety communication covers all gabapentinoid-opioid combinations. Same respiratory depression risk as gabapentin-opioid pairs.
Evidence level: STRONG
Pregabalin (Lyrica) combined with oxycodone carries the same FDA warning as gabapentin with opioids — increased risk of serious breathing problems and death.
Same FDA 2019 warning applies to all gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) with opioids. Additive respiratory depression.
Use lowest effective doses of both. Be especially vigilant during the first days of combining these medications.
Take Oxycodone exactly as prescribed — set alarms for scheduled doses. Pregabalin follows its normal schedule. Opioids slow GI transit, which can affect absorption of other medications. Take with food if nausea occurs. Never combine with alcohol.
Higher risk for: elderly, opioid-naive patients, those with sleep apnea, respiratory conditions, concurrent CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol), liver impairment, or history of substance use disorder.
Very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness
Monitor respiratory function. Use lowest doses. Consider whether pain can be managed with fewer medications.
Opioid combinations carry serious risks including respiratory depression. Talk to your pain management specialist about non-opioid alternatives: physical therapy, NSAIDs (if appropriate), nerve blocks, or non-sedating supplements like PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) or curcumin for inflammation.
Pregabalin (Lyrica) combined with oxycodone carries the same FDA warning as gabapentin with opioids — increased risk of serious breathing problems and death.
Take Oxycodone exactly as prescribed — set alarms for scheduled doses. Pregabalin follows its normal schedule. Opioids slow GI transit, which can affect absorption of other medications. Take with food if nausea occurs. Never combine with alcohol.
Very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness
Opioid combinations carry serious risks including respiratory depression. Talk to your pain management specialist about non-opioid alternatives: physical therapy, NSAIDs (if appropriate), nerve blocks, or non-sedating supplements like PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) or curcumin for inflammation.
Monitor respiratory function. Use lowest doses. Consider whether pain can be managed with fewer medications.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).