What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?

Posted by mikead63 @mikead63, Apr 18, 2025

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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Profile picture for blowerk1216 @blowerk1216

My 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.

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@blowerk1216 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
Do you mean gabapentin or pregablin?

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Profile picture for culebra2024 @culebra2024

@blowerk1216 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
Do you mean gabapentin or pregablin?

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@culebra2024

He meant the R form of alpha-lipoic acid.

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What does it do to your body…liver, kidney …does it make the blood stop pooling in feet and ankles?

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Profile picture for ratties1 @ratties1

So true. Everyone’s different and it’s worth trying out supplements . I’ve just introduced some R-Lipoic Acid (300mg before breakfast and magnesium before bed, PEA 2x daily under the guidance of a highly experienced naturopath. I’m hoping to reduce pregabalin dose as these set in.

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@ratties1
I think I am going to try magnesium . I just read about it and then asked Google f it would help me. I bought the thing that you wrap around your foot or where ever and it will give you a steady shock. But it is hard for me to put anything on my feet and keeping it charged is a pain. So I don’t use it much. However it seems to help. I don’t want to have to ask my daughter to put it on my feet. I am 80 and have no cartilage in either knee. I have had neuropathy a long time. It causes the blood to pool in my ankles, swelling, pains me, and is moving up legs. I can’t be operated on because of asthma and heart problems. So no knee replacement …

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About 20 weeks ago now I added 2x 150mg tablets per day of ubiquinol co q10 to my routine. There isn’t strong evidence for it for small fibre neuropathy but I’ve found it has been really great in reducing my tingling in my feet. It’s probably more to do as an anti inflammatory and mitochondria support but I’m very happy. Anyone else tried it?

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I have been taking pregabalin for I guess the last 2 years. Unfortunately, I have not been taking it as instructed. I should be taking it twice a day but I have been taking it once a day, because I really don't like to take medication. I have been out of the medication for the last month and the sharp pains I am feeling throughout my feet and legs have become worse. I see my doctor tomorrow to get another prescription and this time I will take as prescribed.

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Profile picture for tracie731 @tracie731

I have been taking pregabalin for I guess the last 2 years. Unfortunately, I have not been taking it as instructed. I should be taking it twice a day but I have been taking it once a day, because I really don't like to take medication. I have been out of the medication for the last month and the sharp pains I am feeling throughout my feet and legs have become worse. I see my doctor tomorrow to get another prescription and this time I will take as prescribed.

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@tracie731 what strength Pregabalin were you prescribed?

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I am using pregabalin very successfully despite my disease going from toes to thighs and in my hands and wrists. I had taken gabapentin in huge amounts with no benefit, Lyrica was a game changer for me. However, it is usually given twice a day with a half life of only 6 hours. Mine is now spread over 3 doses which keeps me fairly comfortable. The the two incompatible in my case.

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Profile picture for tracie731 @tracie731

I have been taking pregabalin for I guess the last 2 years. Unfortunately, I have not been taking it as instructed. I should be taking it twice a day but I have been taking it once a day, because I really don't like to take medication. I have been out of the medication for the last month and the sharp pains I am feeling throughout my feet and legs have become worse. I see my doctor tomorrow to get another prescription and this time I will take as prescribed.

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@tracie731

If the once a day worked just ask for the prescription for thaaat. When I was on 75mg 3 x per day, a missed dose in afternoon wasn't noticeable. I'm currently on 100mg 3 x per day.

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