Difference between Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Posted by karlag1953 @karlag1953, Mar 22, 2023

I am currently taking Pregabalin that was prescribed by my VA PCP, I have neuropathy in legs and feet. Which is questionable for 2 back/fusion surgeries or from Type 2 Diabetes. But, my question is what is the difference in Pregabalin and Gabapentin? What are the advantages/ disadvantages of either drug. I’ve been taking Pregabalin for years. Thank you so much for your comments.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

ratties1 | @ratties1 | 5 days ago

Thanks everyone. It's really helpful to have your thoughts. What is ED though?

bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 4 days ago

In reply to @ratties1 "Thanks everyone. It's really helpful to have your thoughts. What is ED though?" + (show)

ED is erectile dysfunction. You basically get a permanent softie while you're on it. Happens to about 40% of men who use [I think] either one. For me it sort of destroys my libido too. Also seems to give me an I don't really care about anything sort of feeling. You have to decide whether the benefits of the drug are worth the possible side effects. The best thing is to try one of them first and see if it helps. If not try the other one. If you're feeling amorous you can always back off for a few days and then start up again. For that you will need a good supply of 25mg or more sizes. I take 75mg of PreGabalin 3X per day so I'd need some 50mg and 25mg capsules. They should be covered by insurance since they are different sizes.

ratties1 | @ratties1 | 3 days ago

Thanks for that. Unfortunately, I think all libido is suppressed with SFN and drugs

collison | @collison | 2 days ago

In reply to @ratties1 "Hi, I've just recently changed from 600mg Gabapentin per day to 150mg (2x 75mg) pregabalin per..." + (show)

I'd be interested to know if you kept with the pregabalin and if the brain fog persisted or morphed or went away or what? I have a strong reaction to a higher dose for a longer time. I really need to hear from people with similar reactions.
I've cut back my dose... it's hard. But my brain, my thinking is clearer.
I'll get back to you if I hear your journey with this quite
maddening drug! Thanks so much!

ratties1 | @ratties1 | 1 day ago

Hi,
I'm still transitioning to the pregabalin as my neurologist suggested an over lap reduction protocol. I'm now at 100mg gabapentin 1x daily and 75mg 2x daily pregabalin.
I'm not sure how this will go but the brain fog is still there. It may reduce as I stop gabapentin altogether which is next week. At the moment my nerve pain is slightly better with the pregabalin but as I said hard to tell until I stop gabapentin.
I also have tinnitus which has worsened over the last 3 weeks since taking pregabalin but again hard to attribute to it just yet.
All the best and let me know how you go.