Are you suffering from nerve-related issues like nerve pain, neuropathy, or seizures? Don’t worry, Gabapentin and Lyrica are two prescription medications of the anticonvulsant category. It relieves by calming down the effect of overactive nerves. Here, Lyrica and Gabapentin are both used for similar purposes with quite similar working mechanisms. Therefore, it is very important to know the Gabapentin Vs Lyrica differences.
The two pills differ from each other in some characteristics like their side effects, how to intake and uses in different conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial before considering the pill to be used. Let’s explore those comparisons for choosing the best pill in Lyrica Vs Gabapentin.
Medical Uses And Application for Gabapentin Vs Lyrica
Lyrica and Gabapentin are different medicines, although they are used for nerve-related issues. This blog is all about choosing the right medication between Gabapentin vs Lyrica for nerve pain according to their current health condition. Because some people are confused that Are Gabantin and Lyrica the same? and can I alternate Lyrica to Gabapentin? To clarify this, the patient should know their key differences, which are discussed in below.
Overview of Gabapentin and Lyrica
Lyrica and Gabapentin are categorized into gabapentinoid medications. These drugs control the reactiveness of the nerve. Lyrica is the brand name for pregabalin, which is a prescribed medication used for treating nerve damage after diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injuries. Lyrica is also available in an extended-release formula as Lyrica CR. Similarly, Gabapentin is also available as the Neurontin brand name. Both Lyrica and Gabapentin are approved by the FDA but have potential for addiction. These two pills are globally available but can’t used without a prescription.
But, from some trusted sites like newlifemedix.com you can buy Gabapentin and Lyrica without Rx easily. Because it provides online consultation with quality services for ordering in the USA.
Working Mechanism of Gabapentin Vs Lyrica
Lyrica and Gabapentin work for reducing the nerve activity for reducing pain as well as controlling seizures. Both of them affect to Central nervous system but works in a different way. Lyrica binds to the calcium channel of the nervous system and blocks releasing of glutamate. Which is a neurotransmitter in the brain; a decrease in glutamate will decrease the nerve activity that leads to lower nerve pain.
Gabapentin also affects the calcium channel as like Lyrica, but with a low potential. Gabapentin or Neurontin activates the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that enhances the sedative effect and calms your mind with effective pain relief. For reducing the neural issues, it will relieve pain after seizures.
Uses of Gabapentin Vs Lyrica
Lyrica and Gabapentin are used for nerve-related problems, but they are used in different conditions. Where Lyrica prevents and relieve the neuropathic pain, Gabapentin relieves pain after seizures. Also, they are FDA-approved for different off-label conditions. Knowing the proper uses of two pills and their difference in applications.
Gabapentin Vs Lyrica For Anxiety
Although both of them solve nerve-related issues, they are not meant for the first choice for treating anxiety. To treat anxiety, it needs psychiatric therapy and antidepressants. Here, Gabapentin or Lyrica wouldn’t effective as much the anti-anxiety medications are. Somehow, Lyrica can be prescribed utmost 600 mg per day for anxiety, but Gabapentin can’t be prescribed because it is used for pain relief purposes.
Gabapentin Vs Lyrica for Nerve Pain
Both Gabapentin and Lyrica are prescribed for nerve-related pain, but Lyrica is considered to be more effective for nerve pain. Because, Gabapentin only relieves pain after the seizure, but Lyrica additionally controls the activity of nerves. Lyrica helps to relieve nerve pain by affecting the source of pain. But Gabapentin relieves pain by altering the perception of pain. Mostly, Lyrica is chosen for nerve-related pain rather than Gabapentin for dual action, and it also provides less side effects as compared to Gabapentin pill(Neurontin).
Gabapentin vs Lyrica for Neuropathy
Nerve pain and neuropathy are not the same disease. Nerve pain may be the symptom of neuropathy, but not the same. Neuropathy may include tingling, weakness of the muscles, or loss of sensation. As you know, Lyrica has potential for solving nerve issues compared to Gabapentin, but for prescribing to the patient, condition of the patient is more important. The patient who needs pain relief treatment along with nerve issue in a serious condition he/she can take Lyrica otherwise, Gabapentin will be fine.
Key Differences In Gabapentin Vs Lyrica
The difference between Lyrica and Gabapentin is important for differentiating them for use in different conditions. Their side effects, doses, and effectiveness will vary for using in different conditions. So knowing the actual difference will help the physician as well as patient to choose which one is better: Gabapentin or Lyrica?Let’s know the associated differences in below
- Gabapentin is approved by the FDA for Nerve pain from shingles, and treating partial onset seizures. Whereas Lyrica is approved for solve these issues along with Diabetic neuropathic pain and Fibromyalgia.
- Lyrica can reduce the overacting nerve activity at a lower dose, but gabapentin needs more amount of dose to be effective.
- Lyrica is classified as Schedule V drug due to its potential for dependence, but Gabapentin has not classified yet.
- Lyrica has a faster onset action than the Gbapentin. Lyrica will achieve its peak performance quickly than Gabapentin.
Common side effects of Lyrica and Gabapentin
Both pills have some common side effects that occur after careless use or misuse. As they work by affecting the CNS, they have some common adverse effects. While they have some individual side effects, let’s know their common issues in below
- Dizziness
- Coordination Problems
- Weight gain
- Memory issues
- Sleepiness
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Can You Take Lyrica and Gabapentin Together?
Taking Lyrica and Gabapentin together is not recommended because it can cause harmful effects. As they work similarly by affecting the central nervous system, they can cause overdose symptoms. Lyrica and Gabapentin blocks the calcium channel to control the nerve pain. So if both medicines are taken together then it can cause heavy drowsiness and sedation to you. Do not take it for additional effect.
How Do Lyrica and Gabapentin Interact With Other Drugs?
Both medicines cause serious effects when interacting with other drugs. If gabapentin or Lyrica is taken with Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, Hydrocodone) then it will cause respiratory problems. When both pills interact with Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), then it will enhance the risk of serious drowsiness. Antidepressants(e.g, Ativan, Ambien) is also not recommended with these anticonvulsants.