Connect
← Return to What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?
Discussion
What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (90)Comment receiving replies
I have been on Gabapentin for 10 years and while it's not a cure, it has been controlling my symptoms as well as I've learned to expect. A couple of years ago, a doctor asked ME if I wanted to add pregabalin. I asked HIM why I should add it on top of Gabapentin, to tell me what additional benefits it would offer. He said "I'm not sure, but a lot of my patients seem to prefer it. But if you're OK on Gabapentin, maybe we shouldn't add it". That struck me as weird for him to not be able to tell me how it could improve me, and for him not to know more about it since he was offering it. I had heard from others that it made them gain weight, so I certainly didn't want that possible side effect for something that wasn't going to help my Neuropathy and was going to cost me $$$. So we agreed there was no need for me to add the Pregabalin. But all of us respond differently, I'm not saying that it might be better for other people.
Replies to "I have been on Gabapentin for 10 years and while it's not a cure, it has..."
@dbeshears1 I will be 85 in October. I've been taking gabapentin for about 5 years now, since I got neuropathy from chemo for breast cancer. I take 300mg. 3times a day, and I don't have dementia. I lead a full life and I still travel around the country having adventures.
@dbeshears1
Hi, Debbie ~
So nice to come across your post! I think you have something that works for you and I sure wouldn't add the Pregabalin which is what I take. Initially my doctor prescribed Gabapentin but the side effects were immediate and scary (depression, crying). I do think the Pregabalin causes weight gain (sigh!) but that is less painful than nerve pain. (And that's saying a lot.)
I hope you are doing well otherwise. I'd like to have more energy and get more done in a day but I'm thankful that my meds (Pregab. and Tramadol, taken together) keep me able to live a pretty normal life.
Blessings and all good wishes to you!
Barb
Connect
@dbeshears1
You wouldn't add it you would replace the GabaPentin with Pregabalin. Wouldn't make sense to take both. It may control things better. Only way to know is try switching.
""generally not recommended. Because both medications belong to the same drug class (gabapentinoids) and work in very similar ways, combining them doubles up on the same mechanism without providing unique benefits, significantly raising the risk of severe side effects.""