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What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?
I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (diagnosed in January of this year). I was prescribed gabapentin 2-3 hours before bedtime. At this point I am at 600mg which helps while I know it's a low dose for many, at this point it's fine for me. I had not heard of pregabalin until today when I was researching info. in Pharmacy Times. I know that pregabalin is quickly absorbed while gabapentin is absorbed around 3 hours post dose. My question is: IS ANYONE ON PREGABALIN? If so, how is that working out??
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@bajjerfan That’s the crazy part how it works for some and not others. If what worked for one worked for all this wouldn’t be such a busy blog. Well here’s hoping we all find what works for us!!
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I may have to backtrack. This past Sunday I'm pretty sure I took a double dose at one point. When I get up I usually take my a.m. dose along with tramadol, Lasix and Dyazide. I also set out the same thing for the next morning. At lunchtime by accident I took the morning dose again. I normally have a pre-prepared dosage for lunchtime as well as bedtime. I didn't notice much until early evening when I went out to do some yard work. My lower back was nowhere near as sore as it would normally be when outside on my feet. I may end up increasing my dose rather than dropping it or even eliminating it.
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1 ReactionI'm sorry that you are having so much discomfort. You might look at Choline 500mg (You have to take 3 a day). Not for your pain but for your word search problems. It has helped me. Neuropathy makes a real case for "less is more"
I cut back on the strength of a few OTC meds I was taking that cause, at least for me, tiredness throughout the day. I also sat down with my Doc and discussed cutting back on my Gabapentin from 600 mg to 300 mg to see how that goes. I know I'm on a low dose compared to many others but the 600 mg. seemed to do the trick initially.
@marietter Gabapentin is also known to cause Dementia. I stopped taking it months ago.
@bini41 Has not been scientifically confirmed as of yet. Check the NIH website . (National Institute of Health. Psychiatric Institute of Health.
Potential effects may affect under a certain age group. 30 to 64 with mild cognitive impairment. Seniors have a 24-26% chance of cognitive impairment, but perhaps more dizziness and loss of balance .
More studies are ongoing, but to date Gabapentin has not been confirmed by science to directly cause dementia .
@bob7316 Wise choice for your particular effects while taking these.
@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.
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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
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2 ReactionsMy research shows that pregablin has been tested more than gabapentin and shows more success for pain relief. However it has to be at least 300 mg per day to be more effective than the placebo, its effectiveness increases at the 600 mg per day level.