Why is lyrica (pregabalin) a controlled substance?

Because: It's a much more potent nerve medicine than Neurontin (gabapentin) and abrupt cessation or incorrect use can precipitate seizures.

It is schedule V: Which is the lowest of the schedule numbers (for example, oxycodone is schedule ii and benzodiazepines are schedule iv). Lyrica (pregabalin) acts at the same kinds of receptors that benzodiazepines act at - GABA receptors- and has been shown to have some abuse potential, particularly in people who already have substance abuse issues, particularly alcohol and benzodiazepine abuse/dependency.