Drug & supplement interaction

Alpha-lipoic Acid + Pregabalin

Pregabalin brand names: Lyrica, Lyrica CR.

No Known Interaction

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Updated July 2026 · Pair last verified Sep 13, 2026

The bottom line No known interaction

We found no known interaction between Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin in our sources. Absence of a documented interaction is not the same as proven safety, and does not guarantee one does not exist. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or supplement based on this page; confirm with your pharmacist or doctor first. Additionally, although there is no interaction, the two are separately associated with some of the same side effects, which would make a new symptom harder to attribute to one or the other.

Know someone taking this? Share

Facebook Post Reddit Email

On this page

Interaction report

Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin

We checked these two against our interaction database. Here is what we found.

No Known Interaction Found

We did not find a documented interaction between Pregabalin and Alpha-lipoic Acid in our sources. This does not guarantee that the combination is completely free of risk — there is often limited research on supplements and herbal products, especially around drug interactions.

If you decide to take both, the practical routine is simple: add one new thing at a time and note the date you started it. If the combination is going to disagree with you, it usually shows in the first days to a couple of weeks — and a start date turns “I’ve been feeling off” into something a pharmacist can actually work with. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before making changes to your medications or supplements, particularly if you take several medications or have an ongoing health condition.

Alpha-lipoic Acid safety at a glance

Alpha-lipoic Acid overall Use caution Generally well tolerated in most adults, but it can lower blood sugar and is best used under medical guidance.

Pregnancy Avoid There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Avoid There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid while breastfeeding.

Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Still wondering about combining Pregabalin and Alpha-lipoic Acid? Ask Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS directly ›

How we checked

Why No Interaction Is Listed for Pregabalin

Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes, not just single drug names. Pregabalin is filed under 3 classifications — including cns depressants, oral drugs. Alpha-lipoic Acid has documented interactions with 5 drug classes — the most serious being alkylating agents (moderate), anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (moderate) and antitumor antibiotics (moderate) — and none of Pregabalin’s classifications are among them.

Classification data comes from our licensed Natural Medicines dataset. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded there, so this describes how the check was run — it is not a safety guarantee.

Keep it in perspective

Alpha-lipoic Acid Does Interact With Other Medications

Alpha-lipoic Acid has 177 moderate, 86 minor known drug interactions in our database — Pregabalin isn’t one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 177 Minor 86 No known interaction 2,567 (incl. Pregabalin)

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Alpha-lipoic Acid

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Alpha-lipoic Acid. Pick one to open its full report.

What to actually watch for

No Interaction Found — But Data Suggests Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin May Share Several of the Same Side Effects

This is not an interaction. Neither one changes how your body handles the other, and nothing here says they react together. What our sources do show is that each has separately been linked to the effects below — so taking both can make those effects more likely to turn up, and harder to pin on one or the other if they do. 2 of them are worth acting on rather than waiting out — marked below.

Confusion Worth acting on Additional detail
Alpha-lipoic Acid
“Orally, at least 50 published cases of insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) thought to be associated with use of alpha-lipoic acid have been reported. Most reported cases have been associated with alpha-lipoic acid supplements or enriched foods; IAS has not been reported with intake of alpha-lipoic acid in food.”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in myasthenia gravis.
6 sources cited

16392. Furukawa N, Miyamura N, Nishida K, et al. Possible relevance of alpha lipoic acid contained in a health supplement in a case of insulin autoimmune syndrome. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007;75:366-7. PubMed

104656. Gullo D, Evans JL, Sortino G, Goldfine ID, Vigneri R. Insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata Disease) in European Caucasians taking a-lipoic acid. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2014;81(2):204-9.

104657. Yukina M, Nuralieva N, Solovyev M, Troshina E, Vasilyev E. Insulin autoimmune syndrome. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2020;2020:19-0159. PubMed

104658. Moffa S, Improta I, Rocchetti S, Mezza T, Giaccari A. Potential cause-effect relationship between insulin autoimmune syndrome and alpha lipoic acid: Two case reports. Nutrition. 2019;57:1-4. PubMed

104659. Izzo V, Greco C, Corradini D, et al. Insulin autoimmune syndrome in an Argentine woman taking a-lipoic acid: A case report and review of the literature. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2018;6:2050313X18819601.

107893. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), Turck D, et al. Scientific opinion on the relationship between intake of alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) and the risk of insulin autoimmune syndrome. EFSA J 2021;19(6):e06577. PubMed
Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
An allergic reaction Worth acting on Additional detail
Alpha-lipoic Acid
“Orally, skin rash and itching have been reported after use of alpha-lipoic acid. Topically, alpha-lipoic acid can cause local irritation, including burning, stinging, mild rash, or contact dermatitis. In one case, an 86-year-old female developed allergic contact dermatitis with severe itching and oozing after applying alpha-lipoic acid 5% cream to her lower extremities.”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in dermatitis.
6 sources cited

16391. Vincent HK, Bourguignon CM, Vincent KR, Taylor AG. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study. J Alt Complement Med 2007;13:577-84. PubMed

20490. Porasuphatana S., Suddee S., Nartnampong A., Konsil J., Harnwong B., Santaweesuk A. Glycemic and oxidative status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus following oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled

21674. Koh E. H., Lee W. J., Lee S. A., Kim E. H., Cho E. H., Jeong E., Kim D. W., Kim M. S., Park J. Y., Park K. G., Lee H. J., Lee I. K., Lim S., Jang H. C., Lee K. H., Lee K. U. Effects of alpha-lipoic Acid on body weight in obese subjects. Am J Med 2011;124( PubMed

96233. Boriani F, Granchi D, Roatti G, Merlini L, Sabattini T, Baldini N. Alpha-lipoic acid after median nerve decompression at the carpal tunnel: a randomized controlled trial. J Hand Surg Am. 2017 Apr;42(4):236-42. PubMed

104650. Derosa G, D'Angelo A, Preti P, Maffioli P. Safety and efficacy of alpha lipoic acid during 4 years of observation: A retrospective, clinical trial in healthy subjects in primary prevention. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:5367-5374.

12021. Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:841-9.
Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Blurred vision / Sweating Additional detail

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Recorded for Alpha-lipoic Acid in the same Natural Medicines adverse-effect record shown under Confusion above.

Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Low blood pressure Additional detail
Alpha-lipoic Acid
“Orally, hypotension has been reported rarely in a clinical trial.”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in hypotension.
1 source cited

104650. Derosa G, D'Angelo A, Preti P, Maffioli P. Safety and efficacy of alpha lipoic acid during 4 years of observation: A retrospective, clinical trial in healthy subjects in primary prevention. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:5367-5374.
Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Stomach upset Additional detail
Alpha-lipoic Acid
“Orally, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting have been reported after use of alpha-lipoic acid. Higher doses (1200-1800 mg daily) seem to cause more severe effects than lower doses (600 mg daily). Alpha-lipoic acid may also cause a burning sensation from the throat to the stomach, abdominal discomfort, or bitter taste when used orally.”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in dyspepsia.
6 sources cited

3557. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.

12106. Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A meta-analysis. Diabet Med 2004;21:114-21.

16391. Vincent HK, Bourguignon CM, Vincent KR, Taylor AG. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study. J Alt Complement Med 2007;13:577-84. PubMed

20475. Ziegler D., Ametov A., Barinov A., Dyck P. J., Gurieva I., Low P. A., Munzel U., Yakhno N., Raz I., Novosadova M., Maus J., Samigullin, R. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Car

30844. Tang, J., Wingerchuk, D. M., Crum, B. A., Rubin, D. I., and Demaerschalk, B. M. Alpha-lipoic acid may improve symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Neurologist. 2007;13(3):164-167. PubMed

96225. Sarezky D, Raquib AR, Dunaief JL, Kim BJ. Tolerability in the elderly population of high-dose alpha lipoic acid: a potential antioxidant therapy for the eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016 Sep 29;10:1899-1903. PubMed
Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Itching Additional detail

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Recorded for Alpha-lipoic Acid in the same Natural Medicines adverse-effect record shown under An allergic reaction above.

Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Dizziness Additional detail
Alpha-lipoic Acid
“Orally, alpha-lipoic acid may cause headache or dizziness.

Intravenously, paresthesias have been reported to worsen temporarily at the beginning of therapy. Also, intravenous alpha-lipoic acid can cause headache. Adverse effects are more common in patients receiving higher intravenous doses.”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in cluster headache.
5 sources cited

21664. Cavalcanti D. R., da Silveira F. R. Alpha lipoic acid in burning mouth syndrome--a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Oral Pathol Med 2009;38(3):254-261. PubMed

103328. Passiatore M, Perna A, De-Vitis R, Taccardo G. The use of alfa-lipoic acid-R (ALA-R) in patients with mild-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomised controlled open label prospective study. Malays Orthop J. 2020;14(1):1-6. PubMed

104655. Gilron I, Robb S, Tu D, et al. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain: the IMPALA trial. Pain. 2021;162(2):561-568. PubMed

104650. Derosa G, D'Angelo A, Preti P, Maffioli P. Safety and efficacy of alpha lipoic acid during 4 years of observation: A retrospective, clinical trial in healthy subjects in primary prevention. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:5367-5374.

3557. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.
Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
A skin rash Additional detail

Alpha-lipoic Acid

“Alpha-lipoic acid appears to be generally well tolerated when used orally, intravenously, or topically.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Topically: Irritation and rash.

Intravenously: Nausea and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Case reports have raised concerns about insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS).”

Alpha-lipoic Acid · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in cluster headache.

Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Vomiting Additional detail

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Recorded for Alpha-lipoic Acid in the same Natural Medicines adverse-effect record shown under A skin rash above.

Pregabalin

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Pregabalin. Read the label on DailyMed ›

Showing the 10 most notable of 12 shared effects — ranked by how unusual each one is, not just whether both lists mention it.

Reported for Alpha-lipoic Acid but not commonly for Pregabalin: a change in taste, a fast or pounding heartbeat and heartburn.

Effects for Pregabalin come from the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of its FDA label; effects for Alpha-lipoic Acid come from the Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, quoted above. Wording is matched across sources by our own clinical vocabulary, so treat this as a prompt to pay attention, not a diagnosis.

Overlapping uses

What Pregabalin Is Prescribed For, and What Alpha-lipoic Acid Has Been Studied For

These two come up together because they touch the same health topic — not because they do the same job. Pregabalin is a prescription medicine with approved uses on its FDA label. Alpha-lipoic Acid is a supplement: what follows is what researchers have looked at it for, and how strong that evidence is.

Pregabalin is prescribed for: Pregabalin is used to manage several types of nerve pain, including neuropathic pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes) and postherpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain after shingles). It is also used to treat fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury. Lyrica (capsule and oral solution), pregabalin capsules, and pregabalin oral solution are also approved as add-on therapy for partial-onset seizures — Lyrica for patients 1 month and older, and pregabalin capsules for patients 17 years and older. Lyrica CR and pregabalin extended-release tablets are approved only for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain and postherpetic neuralgia — their effectiveness for fibromyalgia or as seizure add-on therapy has not been established.

Alpha-lipoic Acid has been studied for:

Diabetes studied, not established Alpha-lipoic Acid has been studied for this. Natural Medicines rates the evidence: Possibly Ineffective Read what the research shows

Alpha-lipoic Acid for diabetes

Oral or intravenous alpha-lipoic acid does not seem to be beneficial for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Neuropathic pain studied, not established Alpha-lipoic Acid has been studied for this. Natural Medicines rates the evidence: Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Read what the research shows

Alpha-lipoic Acid for neuropathic pain

It is unclear if oral alpha-lipoic acid is beneficial in patients with neuropathic pain.

Effectiveness ratings and the research summaries above are the verbatim record from the Natural Medicines database, which grades evidence from “Effective” down to “Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate”. A rating below the top of that scale means researchers have looked at it — not that it works, and never that it can stand in for a prescribed medicine. Do not stop or replace Pregabalin on your own; if you are taking Alpha-lipoic Acid for the same health topic, tell your prescriber, especially if the medicine is being adjusted to a target.

From our Q&A

Questions About Alpha-lipoic Acid or Pregabalin

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Alpha-lipoic Acid or Pregabalin, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Pregabalin

This page covers Alpha-lipoic Acid only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Pregabalin page lists 95 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: 1,4-butanediol (major), Activated Charcoal (major), Beer (major), Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) (major) and Kava (major).

By severity: 7 major · 73 moderate · 15 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Pregabalin page

“Pregabalin (Lyrica) calms overactive nerves, which is how it eases nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety, and that calming action stacks with almost everything on this list. Of the 95 supplements and herbs, the large majority add their own sedation on top of pregabalin's, and a few can tip that into genuine danger, with deep sedation and s…”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Pregabalin interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Alpha-lipoic Acid as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 4,223 real supplement products containing Alpha-lipoic Acid, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Alpha-lipoic Acid. Even though Alpha-lipoic Acid itself has no known interaction with Pregabalin, another ingredient on your label might. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Alpha-lipoic Acid

Top 5%

#34 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Medication Pregabalin

Top 5%

#40 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Where does our data come from?

Source: the Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) clinical database — the evidence-graded professional reference for herb & supplement interactions.
Citation library: 103,510 references behind our interaction content, 65,311 of them resolved to verified PubMed/DOI sources. See every Alpha-lipoic Acid reference on this page ↓
Freshness: we automatically re-check this combination every week — this pair was last verified September 13, 2026. The Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin records this page draws on were last updated July 11, 2026.
What “no known interaction” means: no documented interaction in the sources above — not a guarantee of safety. Supplements are studied far less than prescription drugs, so we say exactly what the evidence supports, and nothing more.

Data structure & sourcing designed and verified by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS.

Supplement

About Alpha-lipoic Acid

What is Alpha-lipoic Acid?

Diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy)
Blood sugar support in diabetes
Antioxidant support
Liver health
Skin aging (topical and oral)

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help, but evidence for most other uses is limited. It is generally well tolerated, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have diabetes or thyroid problems.

Not applicable (a naturally occurring compound, not a plant part) · Capsules, tablets, softgels, and injectable forms (used in some countries)

An interaction check asks whether these two react with each other — it does not ask whether Alpha-lipoic Acid is a good idea for someone in your situation. Here is what our Alpha-lipoic Acid record says about it on its own.

Alpha-lipoic Acid: dosing

There is no single official or standardized dose of alpha-lipoic acid. Doses used in studies have varied widely depending on the condition and whether the oral or injectable form was used.The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and choose a product from a reputable brand.

From our Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph — the full record covers uses, side effects and every documented interaction.

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph & all interactions

Medication

About Pregabalin

What Is Pregabalin Used For?

Brand names: Lyrica, Lyrica CR

Pregabalin is used to manage several types of nerve pain, including neuropathic pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes) and postherpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain after shingles). It is also used to treat fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.

Lyrica (capsule and oral solution), pregabalin capsules, and pregabalin oral solution are also approved as add-on therapy for partial-onset seizures — Lyrica for patients 1 month and older, and pregabalin capsules for patients 17 years and older. Lyrica CR and pregabalin extended-release tablets are approved only for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain and postherpetic neuralgia — their effectiveness for fibromyalgia or as seizure add-on therapy has not been established.

Most-Reported Side Effects for Pregabalin

From FAERS, the FDA’s public side-effect reporting system (270,557 reports, all brands). Reports are voluntary and are not proof the drug caused the effect.

Fatigue 15,629 reports

Dizziness 14,844 reports

Nausea 14,507 reports

Headache 13,067 reports

Malaise 12,884 reports

See full Pregabalin drug information

Keep checking

Other Drugs & Alpha-lipoic Acid

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Alpha-lipoic Acid — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major

177Moderate

86Minor

2,566No known interaction

177 Moderate 86 Minor 2,566 No interaction

Moderate

177 interactions

Showing 60 of 177 moderate interactions — see all 177 on the Alpha-lipoic Acid page.

Minor

86 interactions

Showing 60 of 86 minor interactions — see all 86 on the Alpha-lipoic Acid page.

No interaction 2,566 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Alpha-lipoic Acid against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,566 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Alpha-lipoic Acid list.

See the full Alpha-lipoic Acid interactions page

See every supplement checked against Pregabalin, ranked by severity

Evidence & sources

Alpha-lipoic Acid References

The 48 references that drive our Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
Anon. Alpha-lipoic acid. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:308-10.
Konrad T, Vicini P, Kusterer K, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999;22:280-7. PubMed
Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.
Gleiter CH, Schreeb KH, Freudenthaler S, et al. Lack of interaction between thioctic acid, glibenclamide and acarbose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1999;48:819-25. PubMed
Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Tritschler HJ, et al. Improvement of insulin-stimulated glucose-disposal in type 2 diabetes after repeated parenteral administration of thioctic acid. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabet 1996;104:284-8. PubMed
Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:872-4.
Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 1999;27:309-14.
Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, Rao GS. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:1294-8.
Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:841-9.
Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A meta-analysis. Diabet Med 2004;21:114-21.
Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
Vincent HK, Bourguignon CM, Vincent KR, Taylor AG. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study. J Alt Complement Med 2007;13:577-84. PubMed
Furukawa N, Miyamura N, Nishida K, et al. Possible relevance of alpha lipoic acid contained in a health supplement in a case of insulin autoimmune syndrome. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007;75:366-7. PubMed
Ziegler D., Ametov A., Barinov A., Dyck P. J., Gurieva I., Low P. A., Munzel U., Yakhno N., Raz I., Novosadova M., Maus J., Samigullin, R. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Car
Gu X. M., Zhang S. S., Wu J. C., Tang Z. Y., Lu Z. Q., Li H., Liu C., Chen L., Ning, G. [Efficacy and safety of high-dose a-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2010;90(35):2473-2476.
Porasuphatana S., Suddee S., Nartnampong A., Konsil J., Harnwong B., Santaweesuk A. Glycemic and oxidative status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus following oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled
Ansar H., Mazloom Z., Kazemi F., Hejazi N. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on blood glucose, insulin resistance and glutathione peroxidase of type 2 diabetic patients. Saudi Med J 2011;32(6):584-588. DOI
de Oliveira A. M., Rondó P. H., Luzia L. A., D'Abronzo F. H., Illison V. K. The effects of lipoic acid and a-tocopherol supplementation on the lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, pla
Mazloom Z., Ansar H. The Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetics. Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2009;11(3):245-250.
Volchegorskii I. A., Rassokhina L. M., Koliadich M. I., Alekseev M. I. [Comparative study of alpha-lipoic acid and mexidol effects on affective status, cognitive functions and quality of life in diabetes mellitus patients]. Eksp Klin Farmakol 2011;74(11):
Cavalcanti D. R., da Silveira F. R. Alpha lipoic acid in burning mouth syndrome--a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Oral Pathol Med 2009;38(3):254-261. PubMed
Koh E. H., Lee W. J., Lee S. A., Kim E. H., Cho E. H., Jeong E., Kim D. W., Kim M. S., Park J. Y., Park K. G., Lee H. J., Lee I. K., Lim S., Jang H. C., Lee K. H., Lee K. U. Effects of alpha-lipoic Acid on body weight in obese subjects. Am J Med 2011;124( PubMed
Bergqvist-Karlsson, A., Thelin, I., and Bergendorff, O. Contact dermatitis to alpha-lipoic acid in an anti-wrinkle cream. Contact Dermatitis 2006;55(1):56-57.
Tang, J., Wingerchuk, D. M., Crum, B. A., Rubin, D. I., and Demaerschalk, B. M. Alpha-lipoic acid may improve symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Neurologist. 2007;13(3):164-167. PubMed
Hegazy SK, Tolba OA, Mostafa TM, Eid MA, El-Afify DR. Alpha-lipoic acid improves subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with type 1 diabetes. Rev Diabet Stud 2013;10(1):58-67. PubMed
Huang Z, Wan X, Liu J, et al. Short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion combined with insulin sensitizers rosiglitazone, metformin, or antioxidant a-lipoic acid in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Technol Ther 201
Sarezky D, Raquib AR, Dunaief JL, Kim BJ. Tolerability in the elderly population of high-dose alpha lipoic acid: a potential antioxidant therapy for the eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016 Sep 29;10:1899-1903. PubMed
Boriani F, Granchi D, Roatti G, Merlini L, Sabattini T, Baldini N. Alpha-lipoic acid after median nerve decompression at the carpal tunnel: a randomized controlled trial. J Hand Surg Am. 2017 Apr;42(4):236-42. PubMed
Karkabounas S, Papadopoulos N, Anastasiadou C, et al. Effects of a-lipoic Acid, carnosine, and thiamine supplementation in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind study. J Med Food. 2018;21(12):1197-1203.
Murray GL, Colombo J. (r)Alpha lipoic acid is a safe, effective pharmacologic therapy of chronic orthostatic hypotension associated with low sympathetic tone. Int J Angiol. 2019;28(3):188-193. PubMed
Bobe G, Michels AJ, Zhang WJ, et al. A randomized controlled trial of long-term (R)-α-lipoic acid supplementation promotes weight loss in overweight or obese adults without altering baseline elevated plasma triglyceride concentrations. J Nutr. 2020:
Passiatore M, Perna A, De-Vitis R, Taccardo G. The use of alfa-lipoic acid-R (ALA-R) in patients with mild-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomised controlled open label prospective study. Malays Orthop J. 2020;14(1):1-6. PubMed
El-Nahas MR, Elkannishy G, Abdelhafez H, Elkhamisy ET, El-Sehrawy AA. Oral alpha lipoic acid treatment for symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2020. PubMed
Kim BJ, Hunter A, Brucker AJ, et al. Orally administered alpha lipoic acid as a treatment for geographic atrophy: A randomized clinical trial. Ophthalmol Retina. 2020;4(9):889-898. PubMed
Derosa G, D'Angelo A, Preti P, Maffioli P. Safety and efficacy of alpha lipoic acid during 4 years of observation: A retrospective, clinical trial in healthy subjects in primary prevention. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:5367-5374.
Sun Y, Guan X, Wang H, et al. Randomized clinical trial of combined therapy with oral a-lipoic acid and NB-UVB for nonsegmental stable vitiligo. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14610.
Gilron I, Robb S, Tu D, et al. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain: the IMPALA trial. Pain. 2021;162(2):561-568. PubMed
Gullo D, Evans JL, Sortino G, Goldfine ID, Vigneri R. Insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata Disease) in European Caucasians taking a-lipoic acid. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2014;81(2):204-9.
Yukina M, Nuralieva N, Solovyev M, Troshina E, Vasilyev E. Insulin autoimmune syndrome. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2020;2020:19-0159. PubMed
Moffa S, Improta I, Rocchetti S, Mezza T, Giaccari A. Potential cause-effect relationship between insulin autoimmune syndrome and alpha lipoic acid: Two case reports. Nutrition. 2019;57:1-4. PubMed
Izzo V, Greco C, Corradini D, et al. Insulin autoimmune syndrome in an Argentine woman taking a-lipoic acid: A case report and review of the literature. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2018;6:2050313X18819601.
EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), Turck D, et al. Scientific opinion on the relationship between intake of alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) and the risk of insulin autoimmune syndrome. EFSA J 2021;19(6):e06577. PubMed
Jibril AT, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. Efficacy and safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for type 2 diabetes management: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials. Endocr Connect 2022;11(10):e220322. PubMed
Corazza M, Arlotti E, Schettini N, Pacetti L, Bianchi A, Borghi A. Allergic contact dermatitis due to a-lipoic acid in a topical over-the-counter product: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023.
Velasco-Amador JP, Prados-Carmona Á, Navarro-Triviño FJ. Contact urticaria syndrome caused by alpha-lipoic acid in a master formula for vulvar lichen sclerosus. Contact Dermatitis 2023;89(2):136-137. PubMed
Sehgal T, Ohri U, Mittal N, Attri P, Dishant F. A Case of Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome in an Indian Male Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Cureus 2023;15(8):e43743. PubMed

Medication overviews come from MedlinePlus (NIH); supplement label data from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin Together: Common Questions

Is it safe to take Alpha-lipoic Acid with Pregabalin?

We do not list a known interaction between Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin. That does not guarantee the combination is risk-free, so confirm with your pharmacist or doctor — especially if you take other medications or have a health condition.

Do Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin have any of the same side effects?

Yes — our sources link each of them separately to 10 of the same effects. That is not an interaction: neither changes how your body handles the other. It does mean that if one of those effects turns up, it can be harder to tell which one is behind it. They are listed on this page with the source behind each.

Are Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin used for the same thing?

They overlap in purpose, which usually means the real question is whether you need both rather than whether they are safe together. This page lists the shared uses and how strong the evidence is for Alpha-lipoic Acid in each. That is a conversation for your prescriber, especially if Pregabalin is being adjusted to a target.

How was the Alpha-lipoic Acid and Pregabalin combination checked?

Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes. Pregabalin is filed under 3 classifications, and Alpha-lipoic Acid has documented interactions with 5 drug classes — none of Pregabalin's classifications are among them. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded in our dataset, so this describes how the check was run rather than guaranteeing safety.

Does Alpha-lipoic Acid interact with any other medications?

Yes. Alpha-lipoic Acid has 263 documented drug interactions in our database — Pregabalin is simply not one of them. If you take anything else, it is worth checking each one; they are all listed on this page.

Does Pregabalin interact with any supplements?

Yes. Pregabalin has documented interactions with 95 supplements in our database — Alpha-lipoic Acid is not one of them. The Pregabalin interaction page linked on this page lists every one, ranked by severity.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Where next

Keep Exploring

Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph Uses, safety profile, and every drug interaction in one place Pregabalin drug information The full plain-English guide to this medication Pregabalin supplement interactions Every supplement checked against Pregabalin, ranked by severity Supplement interaction checker Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z Every drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements References The 48 citations behind this page Ask a pharmacist Free, personal answer from our licensed team

Still Have a Question About Pregabalin and Alpha-lipoic Acid?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.