Pregabalin, commonly known by its brand names Nervigesic and Lyrica, is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and generalized anxiety disorder. While it can be very effective in managing these conditions, many people even wonder how long it remains in the system, especially for those undergoing drug testing.

Understanding the duration of Pregabalin and how long it stays in your system can help with safe use and proper timing.

In this detailed blog, we will discuss how long Pregabalin stays in your system, how it’s metabolised and excreted, and we will also cover all the factors that can influence how long this medication remains in the body.

Working Mechanism of Pregabalin

Pregabalin’s mechanism of action provides insight into how this effective medication reduces symptoms of several conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain.

By modulating voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing the release of neurotransmitters, and stabilizing neural circuits. In this way, Pregabalin capsules offer effective relief from the symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety, and pain [1].

Pharmacokinetics Of Pregabalin

Absorption: After oral administration in the fasted state, Pregabalin is rapidly absorbed. Food decreases the rate of absorption of Pregabalin in a clinically relevant manner. As a result, Pregabalin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Metabolism and Route of Elimination: Pregabalin is metabolised in the liver. About 98% of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine via the kidneys [2].

What Is The Onset Of Action Of Pregabalin?

Pregabalin begins to work within a few days, sometimes as early as 1 to 3 days, but it can take about 1 to 2 weeks to feel the effects in some patients, especially for anxiety or nerve pain. But,for  some individuals, it might take a bit longer depending on the condition being treated and the dose [4].

How Long Does Pregabalin Stay in Your System?

To understand how long Pregabalin stays in your system, it’s essential to know its half-life.

The half-life of a medication is defined as the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in your blood plasma to decrease by half [3].

It takes about 5 to 5.5 half-lives for a medication to be eliminated from your body. So, based on the half-life of Pregabalin, which is 6.3 hours, it takes about 32 to 35 hours for Pregabalin to be gone from your body [5].

There are several factors that can influence how long Pregabalin actually stays in your body. These factors are –

Age: As we age, our kidney function slows down naturally. Older people may experience a longer drug retention time. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to monitor dosage in this population.

Kidney function: Since pregabalin is primarily excreted unchanged through the kidneys, healthy kidney function is essential to ensure the drug is effectively cleared from the body.

Dosage: Taking higher doses of Pregabalin or using it over a more extended period can slow down how quickly it is eliminated from your system. In short, the more Pregabalin you take and the longer you have been on it, the longer it may remain in your body before it drops below detectable levels.

Metabolism: Individuals with a faster metabolism may process and eliminate the drug more rapidly. Whereas, those with a slower metabolic rate or a higher body fat percentage may retain the drug in their system for a longer duration.

Proper hydration: Whether you are adequately hydrated after taking Pregabalin may also affect how quickly the medication is eliminated from your body. Hydration is known to play a crucial role in a person’s urinary flow rate, which is thought to influence the excretion speed of Pregabalin capsules. Therefore, proper hydration after taking Pregabalin is linked to the rapid clearance of this medicine.

Does Pregabalin Show Up On Drug Tests?

Several tests are available to detect the presence of Pregabalin in the body [6].

Urine testing: Specialized urine test strips are available in the market and can detect Pregabalin for two to four days after use.

However, a study by Olav Spigset and colleagues on the detection time of Pregabalin in urine suggests that Pregabalin was detectable in urine for more than 5 to 6 days after the last use.

Saliva testing: This type of test to detect Pregabalin is uncommon but has been performed. Pregabalin can be detectable in saliva for one to two days after use.

Blood testing: Blood drug testing is less common because it’s invasive, and the detection windows are shorter. Based on the half-life of Pregabalin, it might be detected in blood samples for one to two days after last use.

Hair testing: Pregabalin circulating in the system is incorporated into hair strands as they grow and can be detected if the strands are analyzed. In a hair test, the top 1.5 inches of head hair is analysed. As head hair grows at an average rate of 0.5 inches per month, that means evidence of your medication use for the previous three months can be detected.

Other Medications

If you are taking other medicines that affect your renal function or interact with Pregabalin, they may slow down the elimination of Pregabalin from your body.

Getting Pregabalin Out Of Your System

To ensure Pregabalin is fully cleared from your body as soon as possible after your last dose, follow the steps provided below. Keep in mind that these tips may vary in their efficacy among individuals [7].

Activated charcoal: A helpful supplement that can aid in detoxifying your system after stopping Pregabalin is activated charcoal.

However, taking activated charcoal too soon may affect the absorption of your last dose and result in premature withdrawal. However, when taken later, activated charcoal can bind to remnants and toxins of the drug if you think that it may be lingering within your body after you have stopped.

Discontinue: If you want Pregabalin to leave your body, you will need to discontinue treatment entirely. Discontinuation of this medication should be done gradually under the supervision of a medical provider. Understand that the sooner you stop taking the drug, the faster you can expect to be cleared from your body.

Exercise: Moderate physical activity can boost metabolism and improve circulation, which may support faster elimination of toxins. A light daily cardio session or a brisk 30-minute walk can make a difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pregabalin can remain in your system for up to 32 to 35 hours, depending on factors such as kidney function, age, dosage, and duration of use. If you have any concerns about Pregabalin drug tests, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider.