What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?

It is certainly different for everyone and important to try things out. I’ve been lucky to now to have a gp who helps me with those decisions as before I felt completely alone.
I do find the slight headache and more vivid dreams on prebabalin a worry though. Might have to reduce dose but pain level is ok so hard to decide.
All the best everyone.

I have been on Gabapentin for 8 years (no weight gain or other side effects). It has put the pain I have and temperature intolerance well controlled, provided it I stay on an even dosage schedule. I am very happy with how it has helped me and pain has never been anything unmanageable. Several years ago, perhaps when Pregabalin started being a prevalent prescription, my Neurologist then suggestion we add that to my regimen. Since I really try to keep medications as low as possible, I asked what additional benefit or improvements Pregabalin would give me - he hesitated and admitted that since I was doing well with Gabapentin alone, he couldn't see what any improvements Pregabalin had to offer me. So we didn't do it, saved me the extra pill and all the adjustments that come with it. I think it all depends on individual needs and reactions to taking the meds, and trial & error to find what works for you.

@dbeshears1 Good morning (my time!) Debbie! As a recent diagnosed IPN person I would be interested in your journey with gabapentin. I'm on a dose of 600mg before bedtime that has been working fine for me but not knowing what the future holds. Did you start on a lower dose and then increase the dosage over the years as needed? What dosage are you on now? Do you take the complete dosage at once before bedtime? P.S. I applaud you for questioning your neurologist's suggestion, especially when you were doing fine at the time! More people need to "question" their docs rather than just go along with their recommendation(s). Have a great day!!

Hi Mike - When I got hit suddenly by my IPN, I was in the hospital 2 weeks then transferred to a rehabilitation place for 5 weeks since I was reduced to a wheelchair (which took 6 months for me to strengthen back up to my feet/walker, and driving again) The small hospital system in my area didn’t have strong Neurology Specialty, and I was 3 weeks into the rehab place before I actually had an appointment with a Neurologist! I was miserable with pain, and constant freezing & burning in my hands and feet that left me helpless and consumed, and unable to sleep long.

At 5 weeks of misery, he started me at 200 mg a few times a day. With the rehab nurse’s guidance, we were at 800 mg 3x a day by the time I left. I think it took a good 2 months before I believe I was at a sweet spot of not feeling the distracting temperature sensations and pain. I had permission to take up to an extra 800mg if needed, but have only done that about 5 times over the years.

I’ve been at 800mg 3x daily for about 8 years now. I am well moderated and adjusted, hence my reluctance to just arbitrarily add Pregabalin to my arsenal if it’s not a cure. I prefer to take my pills at 10pm, 8am, and 3pm because I don’t wake up sore and find that activity during the day works up my discomfort vs sleep. I sometimes accidentally miss my 3pm dose and don’t realize it until bedtime. But usually my body tells me by 5pm if I missed that dose. Nothing severe, but a little discomfort that alerts me to check to see if I forgot. Sometimes it might take a couple cycles after missing one to get back to even keel, so I’ve learned to stay on schedule even if I’m having a great day to try not to set myself back.

Good luck with your program. Like a lot of folks here, I have other medical things to watch too, and have to keep on my toes with specialists who might not see my “total picture”; the last thing we need is perceived help for PN hurting other body functions. I take advantage of physical therapy too. I’m trying to stay as strong as possible and keep moving in smart ways and not develop bad habits. Wishing you the best!

Wow! it really hit you like a tsunami! Debbie, I cannot imagine what you have gone through and what you are going through. Were you ever told why something like this came on so suddenly? You went through a lot. Thank you for sharing. Your comment about "other medical things to watch" is fresh in my mind because of things I am in the midst of. I met with one of the numerous specialists I meet with (all problems but not the end of the world), my gastroenterologist last week. He apologized for being 15 minutes late because his previous patient needed more time to discuss their recent diagnosis. He didn't need to apologize because that reminded me how much he cares about his patients. He then listened intently to my recent diagnosis of IPN and spent close to 30 minutes going over all of my medications, along with new medications I was taking for IPN in order to provide the proper regiment that would not affect the gastro problems I had been dealing with. Love the guy! Didn't have to do that but he did! please keep us up to date on how everything is going with you!
Mike

I am on gabapentin and pregabalin as he said as long as I take my medicine on schedule I am basically pain-free however, if I miss a dosage or I’m late with the dosage, I immediately feel multiple symptoms and as I say that I mean multiple pain so as far as I’m concerned I am happy with my dosages of pregabalin mix with gabapentin. They’ve been working for me for now 2 1/2 years and when you have neuropathy, the fact that they work helps me function on a daily basis

I started on 602 1/2 years ago. I am now up to 1500. So yes this time goes on. You probably will need to increase your dosage and I do say probably everybody’s different.

Mike - Thanks for the kind words. We never found a definitive cause. They did all of the standard bloodwork for cancers, autoimmune, Lyme, even AIDS etc. All negative. The spinal tap done at the small hospital came back inconclusive for Guillain Barre with a note that the spinal fluid sample was insufficient. That test has never been repeated but a consult visit with Duke suggested a “post infection disorder similar to Guillain Barre”. After that, I spent the next few years between lengthy visits almost begging for scans, MRI’s, biopsies and other tests as I was hoping to find out exactly, so I would know how to manage and what to expect. It didn’t help that I had to move to different states a few times in these 8 years and start over with new doctors, but on the other hand, I secretly hoped fresh eyes might have ideas. I finally exhausted myself, learning that doctors relied most on prior notes of other doctors and I felt filed under permanent idiopathic, next patient please.

I have relied on this group for solutions and things to try. How to stay positive and live life to the fullest with our new set of capabilities. Someone said once ( @njed ) “focus on what you CAN do, not CAN’T do”. I hope you find easy answers and solutions to help you!

@dbeshears1 Hi Debbie....well, there is nothing wrong with your memory! Still today, I focus on what I can do. Ed

Ed - With you, I know more than ever that this takes on new meaning with the challenges and changes ahead. So, yes, what you CAN do, and Keep Moving! 🙂