150 mg Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin are widely prescribed medications that share similarities in treating nerve-related conditions, but they differ in potency and pharmacodynamics. Patients switching between these medications often need clarity on equivalent dosing to ensure effective symptom management without adverse effects. Lyrica has one extra use; it is also indicated in the treatment of fibromyalgia and neuropathy pain in association with diabetes (known as diabetic neuropathy). While the two drugs are very similar, they do have some major differences. Lyrica Lyrica (pregabalin) is both chemically and structurally similar to gabapentin. Gabapentin (often sold under the brand name Neurontin) and pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) are two commonly prescribed medications that work in similar ways. While both belong to a class of drugs called gabapentinoids and are used to treat nerve-related conditions, they have distinct differences that can affect which one might be right for you. If gabapentin is not tolerated, a trial of Lyrica may be appropriate. Both gabapentin and Lyrica are available as generic medications. Gabapentin is an older drug, with multiple generics available at a much lower cost than Lyrica. The generic version of Lyrica, pregabalin, was recently made available in July 2019. Though pregabalin and gabapentin are similar in that each is a synthetic GABA analogue, each contains a different active chemical. Legal status: The legal status of pregabalin (Lyrica) currently differs slightly from that of gabapentin (Neurontin) in the United States. Pregabalin is classified as a “Schedule V” controlled-substance Pregabalin and gabapentin are structurally related to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gabapentin, pregabalin, and GABA all modulate voltage-gated calcium channels. The mechanism of action of gabapentinoids like gabapentin and pregabalin in seizure treatment and pain management is not fully understood. However Gabapentin and pregabalin are similar drugs but differ in several distinct ways. The main differences are their indications—specific uses that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them to treat—and their dosages. Pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both approved to treat nerve pain. How are they different, and which one is preferred? Compare both meds here. There are currently no direct dose conversions between Lyrica and gabapentin. But because Lyrica is more potent, an older study used one-sixth of the Lyrica dose when converting from Lyrica (pregablin) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are anti-epileptic medications used to treat seizures and nerve pain (neuropathic pain). Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Gabapentin and Lyrica are similar in their chemical composition and in the conditions they are approved to treat. However, some research studies suggest that Lyrica has some advantages, particularly with the control of certain types of pain. Pregabalin and Gabapentin are similar medications but differ in various distinct ways. In this guide, we will highlight some of the similarities and differences between these effective medications so that you can make an informed decision. However, there are some significant differences between gabapentin and pregabalin. They are not interchangeable. So, you can't just switch one for another without your doctor's approval. Lyrica and gabapentin are not interchangeable (you cannot switch between them without your doctor’s advice). Even some brands of gabapentin are not interchangeable, for example, gabapentin enacarbil (brand name Horizant) is not interchangeable with Gralise (gabapentin [once-daily formulation]) Gabapentin and Lyrica are similar drugs, but they do have some differences. For example, both drugs come as a capsule or liquid solution that you swallow. But gabapentin also comes as a First, gabapentin is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, while pregabalin is absorbed at multiple sites, the small intestine and the ascending portion of the colon. 6 Second, gabapentin’s absorption is saturable; meaning that as gabapentin doses increase, the rate of absorption and resulting bioavailability decreases. Gabapentin and Lyrica (pregabalin) generally aren't used together due to their numerous similarities. Taking both gabapentin and Lyrica together would generally be considered a 'therapeutic duplication', but there is some evidence of the potential positive benefits of this. Based on studies of gabapentin and pregabalin in epilepsy, the EC50 values of pregabalin and gabapentin were estimated to be about 9.77 mg/mL and 23.9 mg/mL, respectively. 9 From these data, pregabalin was estimated to be about 2.4 times more potent. For neuropathic pain, pregabalin’s potency ratio may be even greater. Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin are similar medications in terms of their uses, efficacy and side effect profile. It is a common misconception that gabapentin is the generic of Lyrica. This is not the case however. Gabapentin is the generic of a different medication, Neurontin.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |