Lyrica (Pregabalin) vs Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Lyrica and Gabapentin are antiepileptic anticonvulsant drugs. Antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drugs are used to treat epilepsy and seizures. Although both the drugs belong to the same drug family, certain differences are identified when it comes to the diseases they are used for, potency and side effects etc.
Lyrica
Lyrica is an antiepileptic, anticonvulsant drug also known by the generic name pregabalin. The mechanism of action of the drug is to slow down the nerve impulses which cause seizures and reduce pain by blocking the nerve signals from the brain to the nervous system temporarily. Other than its main usage Lyrica is also used to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, post herpetic neuralgia, and neuropathy pain related to injuries in spinal cord.
Lyrica is a very potent drug, and careful usage is a must. It should not be taken when a person is allergic or if suffer from kidney disorders, bleeding disorders, low platelet count, or have a history of alcohol consumption, depression or suicidal thoughts. It has been found that if Lyrica is taken while being pregnant it may harm the baby. However, its effects on nursing babies are still unknown. It is found that if a man fathers a baby while on this medicine, the baby may show birth defects. Lyrica is not prescribed to children below 18 years old due to its high potency. Lyrica is a drug which slows down nerve impulses; this feature might be very dangerous if one attends to work requiring alertness while taking the drug because the person might feel sleepy and drowsy.
Several side effects are associated with the use of Lyrica. In the serious cases, people experience blurred vision, muscle pain and weakness, easy bleeding, limb swelling and weight gain. Some may experience drowsiness, breast swelling, constipation, difficulty in concentration etc. Some drugs, if taken simultaneously, have the potential to weaken its effect or create complications. Such drugs are allergy medicine, sedatives, depression medicine, sleeping tablets, blood pressure medicine etc. and should be avoided.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin also known by trade names Horizant or Neurontin is also a commonly prescribed antiepileptic anticonvulsant drug. While it is prescribed for epilepsy and seizures, it is also used for the post herpetic neuralgia and Restless Legs Syndrome. Unlike Lyrica, Gabapentin is prescribed to children, but the drug is prescribed with other medication always. This is possible because Gabapentin is less strong than Lyrica.
Gabapentin should not be used by people having the same diseases or medical conditions mentioned earlier for Lyrica. The side effects are also more or less the same. Children who take Gabapentin also show symptoms like behavior changes, restlessness, and difficulty in concentrating etc. The degree of side effects due to the dose may be more for Gabapentin when compared with Lyrica.
What is the difference between Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• Lyrica is more potent than Gabapentin when compared.
• Lyrica is absorbed faster than Gabapentin, therefore, show faster results.
• Lyrica is not prescribed to children, but Gabapentin is prescribed with a combination of other drugs.
• Dose dependent side effects are low in Lyrica when compared to Gabapentin.