Pregabalin & Oxycodone (toxic combination)
I am frightened as I just found out how bad it is that I am prescribed Pregabalin and Targin ( oxycodone ) for my severe RLS. A doctor told me this could kill me and certainly shorten my life expectancy.
I do not know what else I can do.
Its a very scarey scenario. At the age of 72, I want to live on to an old age.
Does anyone have any information about taking Gabapentin(Horizant) and oxycodone together? Are the dangers the same as taking pregabalin?
LaurieMD
Hi
. We are not medical experts, so please, for your safety, don't follow the advice of anyone here about taking both drugs together without talking to your doctor or your pharmacist. While they are often prescribed together, both drugs can suppress breathing and that can be especially dangerous for people who already have lung issues. I am not sure whether there are other dangers, but I would definitely hold off on taking both at once until you can talk to a healthcare professional. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Thank you for the FDA link and I have emailed this to my GP as he has been with me for 22 yrs on this RLS trip. Kaye
Hi there. My heart goes out to you! In general, it's a good idea for you and your doctor to work together to decide what medications to try. If at any time you don't feel comfortable with the risks or side effects, it's okay to say so! You have to make a choice that you feel is the right one, and your doctor should respect that. Take good care of yourself and we'll be here to support you! -Melissa, team member Hi
. I can see why you are concerned. I am not a medical expert but, from what I understand, taking pregabalin (Lyrica) and opioids (Targini is an opioid) together can slow down breathing to dangerous levels. The combination can be fatal for people who take the two together without prescriptions or without a doctor's oversight. Here is an article from the FDA about symptoms to be aware of if you take the two together: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin.
But keep in mind that you are not abusing the drugs or taking them illegally. They were prescribed for a debilitating health condition that prevents sleep, which could lead to cardiac problems, brain degeneration, accidents and all kinds of other issues that might shorten your life expectancy. You also have a doctor's oversight. Stopping pregabalin too quickly can be really dangerous, so please don't do anything until you talk to the doctor who prescribed the medicines to find out more. Not alll doctors are equally knowledgeable about all medications. This particular doctor might be reacting to that FDA warning without having the expertise to know how and when to prescribe them appropriately.
I hope this helps and that you reach out to the prescribing doctor for more information. Please keep us posted if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
