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Difference between Pregabalin and Gabapentin

Posted by karlag1953 @karlag1953, Mar 22, 2023

I am currently taking Pregabalin that was prescribed by my VA PCP, I have neuropathy in legs and feet. Which is questionable for 2 back/fusion surgeries or from Type 2 Diabetes. But, my question is what is the difference in Pregabalin and Gabapentin? What are the advantages/ disadvantages of either drug. I’ve been taking Pregabalin for years. Thank you so much for your comments.

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willows | @willows | Apr 20, 2023

I live in Quebec. I have been taking pregabalin for at least 7 years. It does not seem to be a controlled substance and I can order it for 2 or three months at a time. It doesn’t give me any sense of euphoria or make me sleepy. It helps considerably with my nerve
Pain. I have never experienced any side effects like brain fog or other negative effects.

REPLY
pablomm | @pablomm | May 4, 2023
In reply to @katcollins "That is a great question. A new doctor I went to is switching me from Gabapentin..." + (show)
@katcollins

That is a great question. A new doctor I went to is switching me from Gabapentin to Lyrica (which I believe is Pregabalin). I am wondering what the main difference would be.
Best of luck to you,
Kat

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I found Lyrica removed most of my nuro pain. However I would take the smallest dose possible. I used 10 mg I believe. Lyrica caused me to get angry and had weird dreams so I got off it after the pain lessened. I take nothing now but nuropathy has gotten worse 8 years after chemo.

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1 reply
piatkowskisc | @piatkowskisc | May 5, 2023
In reply to @pablomm "I found Lyrica removed most of my nuro pain. However I would take the smallest dose..." + (show)
@pablomm

I found Lyrica removed most of my nuro pain. However I would take the smallest dose possible. I used 10 mg I believe. Lyrica caused me to get angry and had weird dreams so I got off it after the pain lessened. I take nothing now but nuropathy has gotten worse 8 years after chemo.

Jump to this post

I take Lyrica 75mg 3times a day with no side effects. I would try it again.

REPLY
crossette | @crossette | May 8, 2023

As you can see by people's responses, NONE of these medications commonly prescribed for PN actually do much! They are chemicals that the body tolerates but they have side effects and I would guess they are not good for you long term. The bottom line is that they only reduce PN by maybe 10% or so!
My Experience:
Gabapentin - a very old drug that WILL make you sleepy, good as a sleeping pill maybe.
Lyrica - has the side effect of a slightly dizzy feeling, sometimes slight high feeling.
Cymbalta - my experience is that this has the fewest side effects, but also only reduces PN slightly.
CBD - does nothing at all for me
THC - makes you high and also forgetful. Some relief from PN but again maybe 10% less, not worth it.
I stopped taking all of these years ago and depend mostly on getting an hour of hiking (use 2 walking poles) or biking in every other day. I feel better and walk better for hours after exerciseing. I also take 600mg of alpha lipoic acid plus 1000mg of fish oil but again I don't think it is of much help. A strong cup of coffee in the morning seems to help with PN.

REPLY
1 reply
danawyn | @danawyn | May 9, 2023
In reply to @crossette "As you can see by people's responses, NONE of these medications commonly prescribed for PN actually..." + (show)
@crossette

As you can see by people's responses, NONE of these medications commonly prescribed for PN actually do much! They are chemicals that the body tolerates but they have side effects and I would guess they are not good for you long term. The bottom line is that they only reduce PN by maybe 10% or so!
My Experience:
Gabapentin - a very old drug that WILL make you sleepy, good as a sleeping pill maybe.
Lyrica - has the side effect of a slightly dizzy feeling, sometimes slight high feeling.
Cymbalta - my experience is that this has the fewest side effects, but also only reduces PN slightly.
CBD - does nothing at all for me
THC - makes you high and also forgetful. Some relief from PN but again maybe 10% less, not worth it.
I stopped taking all of these years ago and depend mostly on getting an hour of hiking (use 2 walking poles) or biking in every other day. I feel better and walk better for hours after exerciseing. I also take 600mg of alpha lipoic acid plus 1000mg of fish oil but again I don't think it is of much help. A strong cup of coffee in the morning seems to help with PN.

Jump to this post

Through trial and error I worked out something that works for me: I take a low dose of Lyrica (100mg) 2 x a day and Cymbalta (30 & 60mg = 90 mg) midday. This has worked for me for a long time without the dizzying or "high" side effects other combinations gave me. This is just what has worked for me.

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