pregabalin vs gabapentin

Gabapentin only for 6 1/2 years. I’ve never had edema. I take it to help manage the nerve pain I get from PN as well as the extreme cold & heat sensitivity I get in my extremities. I don’t have any known underlying conditions that would contribute to edema (thank God). I am now late 50’s and worked my way up to 800 mg 3x.
A Neurologist 2 years ago sent in a prescription for Pregabalin for no reason or new symptoms after a visit but just a comment “a lot of people take it too”. I kept the bottle but decided not to take it since I was unclear on the expected outcome and the side effects and drug interactions alarmed me. He didn’t offer an explanation when I wrote to ask about the expected benefit. But I have read how it has helped some people on here.

I'm 72, can't help much, but I am a truly long-time user of Gabapentin, long-time user of Lyrica/pregabalin--all max dosages. In fact for many years I was prescribed 4800mg of Gabapentin daily for neuropathic needles and pins in my feet and ankle joints. (the FDA max was dropped to 3600mg in around 2017 I think.) I'm a 6' 2" male in good physical condition throughout the past 30 years, playing softball and skiing x-country. I never had edema with either drug. I never had edema from anything until a softball accident in 2017 fractured my right foot in four places. I did develop edema for six months, but treated it topically with heat and cold until it went away. Both drugs were critical to my independent lifestyle. No balance issues until I turned 70.

You’re fortunate my body does not tolerate the medication like yours does. Not sure what dosage you were talking of Pregabalin but 400 mg caused brain fog swelling in my legs and weight gain. After SCS I’m tapering off Pregabalin & contemplating trying Gabapentin, small dosage hopefully will see where my scs takes me. I’m almost 66 and still quite active. I was quite distraught when first diagnosed but have decided to live my best life. My Neurologist had few answers and I’m finding advocating for yourself is essential. Grateful for my primary Doctor but not overly impressed with the specialist. Just me hopefully others have better experiences!