1. < Neuropathy

What is the major difference between pregabalin and gabapentin?

Posted by mikead63 @mikead63, Apr 18 10:53am

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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michael308 | @michael308 | Apr 24 2:26am

I have been on Pregabilin for 12 years at 200 mg every 8 hours and the pain level is very low to none. I have not found any side effects as the max dose of 600 mg a day ensures no side effects. Above that level can cause side effects.

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NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 24 6:47am
In reply to @dbeshears1 "Ed - With you, I know more than ever that this takes on new meaning with..." + (show)
@dbeshears1

Ed - With you, I know more than ever that this takes on new meaning with the challenges and changes ahead. So, yes, what you CAN do, and Keep Moving! 🙂

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Debbie - So true. I face new challenges each day and find changes are needed yet obtainable. Oh yea...keep moving is a big part.

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watcher7t | @watcher7t | Apr 24 6:47pm
In reply to @mikead63 "Wow! it really hit you like a tsunami! Debbie, I cannot imagine what you have gone..." + (show)
@mikead63

Wow! it really hit you like a tsunami! Debbie, I cannot imagine what you have gone through and what you are going through. Were you ever told why something like this came on so suddenly? You went through a lot. Thank you for sharing. Your comment about "other medical things to watch" is fresh in my mind because of things I am in the midst of. I met with one of the numerous specialists I meet with (all problems but not the end of the world), my gastroenterologist last week. He apologized for being 15 minutes late because his previous patient needed more time to discuss their recent diagnosis. He didn't need to apologize because that reminded me how much he cares about his patients. He then listened intently to my recent diagnosis of IPN and spent close to 30 minutes going over all of my medications, along with new medications I was taking for IPN in order to provide the proper regiment that would not affect the gastro problems I had been dealing with. Love the guy! Didn't have to do that but he did! please keep us up to date on how everything is going with you!
Mike

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Hey Mike,
I too have a digestive system issue. I was diagnosed back in 2010 with ulcerative colitis. I was taking the oral medication Asacol (mesalamine) for over 10 years and was in remission for most of it with one set back in 2014 after we lost our German Shepherd Codi unexpectedly. The stress caused a bad flare. I was able to get stabilized fairly quick and was doing great till the lockdown. I was able to transition working from home but being a supervisor overseeing 10 people was very stressful and in April I started having bad symptoms and my gastroenterologist had me start the blood infusion drug Entyvio and after the 3 start up doses I started getting some relief but after a few weeks I completely relapsed into a full flare. My Dr switched me to Remicade and that's why I am here in the neuropathy chat. After 2 startup doses I started getting severe side effects with the worst being bilateral neuropathy in both feet accompanied by chronic joint pain, badly fatigued most of the time and the worst tinnitus imaginable. All the side effects were caused by Remicade and my Pharmacist interview with Mayo told me he verified 50% of patients taking it have some sort of side effects. I am now permanently disabled and I lost my career I was planning on retiring from and my side gig as a drummer in two bands ended as well. Thankfully I am back in remission with my UC but the damage is permanent. I tried gabapentin working my way up to the maximum dose with no noticeable relief. I'm now on Lyrica (pregabalin) and has relieved the shocking pain in my feet about 80% of the time. I don't take gabapentin with it and will now ask my neurologist to see if the combination of the two would work better. Been a long ride trying to manage all this. Sorry for the long reply,
Brian

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Apr 25 11:43am
In reply to @andyjustin "I am on gabapentin and pregabalin as he said as long as I take my medicine..." + (show)
@andyjustin

I am on gabapentin and pregabalin as he said as long as I take my medicine on schedule I am basically pain-free however, if I miss a dosage or I’m late with the dosage, I immediately feel multiple symptoms and as I say that I mean multiple pain so as far as I’m concerned I am happy with my dosages of pregabalin mix with gabapentin. They’ve been working for me for now 2 1/2 years and when you have neuropathy, the fact that they work helps me function on a daily basis

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I take PreGabalin 75mg 3 times per day; bedtime, when I get up and late afternoon. I don't really notice it if I miss the afternoon dose. I could probably cut back to twice per day.

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donnagautreaux | @donnagautreaux | Apr 26 9:55am

Hi!
I am on Pregablin for my ideopathic neuropathy. For me, it has less side effects. My pain has decreased, but not totally gone.

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1 reply
johnnyguitar | @johnnyguitar | Apr 26 11:04am
In reply to @donnagautreaux "Hi! I am on Pregablin for my ideopathic neuropathy. For me, it has less side effects...." + (show)
@donnagautreaux

Hi!
I am on Pregablin for my ideopathic neuropathy. For me, it has less side effects. My pain has decreased, but not totally gone.

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Pregablin has helped so much more for me than Gabapentin did for 5 years Gabapentin just made me a zombie that slept all the time. Pregablin reduces the pain and discomfort. It's just a good day bad day situation.

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1 reply
ratties1 | @ratties1 | 6 days ago

I’m on the 2x days of pregabalin
and find that good for me. But we know everyone’s different.?
My brain fog has lifted since I’ve stopped the Gabapentin and I was only on a low dose.
So far so good on pregabalin

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JulesE | @julese | 6 days ago

Here is clinical patient info from Cleveland Clinic so you can consider the correct drug for your particular situation and others input that you requested.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21561-gabapentin
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19097-pregabalin-capsules

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lydiachristine | @lydiachristine | 5 days ago

Hi. I started only 3 months ago but wow, did it help. I get a little sleepy but I don't sleep enough anyway. I'm 67 and it help with my energy and pain a lot. I can tell when they wear off .. but it really has made a difference. I still have swelling And numbness and some pain , but not like it was.. good luck.

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mistymom | @mistymom | 4 days ago
In reply to @johnnyguitar "Pregablin has helped so much more for me than Gabapentin did for 5 years Gabapentin just..." + (show)
@johnnyguitar

Pregablin has helped so much more for me than Gabapentin did for 5 years Gabapentin just made me a zombie that slept all the time. Pregablin reduces the pain and discomfort. It's just a good day bad day situation.

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Any weight gain? I was just switched to pregablin from gabapentin yesterday. I have neuropathy in feet and legs due to stenosis causing compression on vertebrae’s on my spine.

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