Compare Lyrica vs. desipramine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats pain caused by nerve damage and prevents seizures.
Lyrica (pregabalin) is first-choice treatment for nerve pain, but may be expensive since it is available as brand name only.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
Stabilizes your mood.
Norpramin (desipramine) is not a first choice for treating depression because of its effects on the heart, but it can be good if other medicines haven't worked.
Upsides
- Unlike other pain relievers, it is very effective at treating and preventing nerve damage caused by diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgial, and spinal cord injuries.
- It is less habit forming than narcotics.
- It can also be used in combination with other anti-seizure medicines to treat epilepsy.
- Norpramin (desipramine) is available in generic and in many different strengths, so the dose can be more customized.
- Norpramin (desipramine) has fewer side effects than similar tricyclic antidepressants.
Downsides
- Likely expensive since it is not available in generic versions.
- Has a higher risk than other pain medicines to affect your heart rate or rhythm.
- Requires adjustment in dose if you have lower kidney function.
- Higher doses can cause drowsiness so you will have to divide the dose and take it throughout the day.
- Norpramin (desipramine) isn't recommended if you or your family has heart disease, seizures, or glaucoma.
- Norpramin (desipramine) isn't a first choice for depression because it has more side effects than other antidepressants.
- In some people, Norpramin (desipramine) can make you sleepy. In other people, Norpramin (desipramine) can keep you awake.
- If you have diabetes, Norpramin (desipramine) can make your blood sugar go up.
- Not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
Used for
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
- Depression
- Diabetic neuropathy
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$506.15
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$316.11
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Reviews
66 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
32%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lyrica (pregabalin)?
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Side effects
28possible side effects
- Dizziness23%
- Drowsiness13%
- Headache11%
- Blurry vision8%
- Weight gain8%
- Dry mouth7%
- Fatigue5%
- Swelling of the hands and feet5%
- Constipation4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Increased appetite4%
- Joint pain4%
- Loss of focus4%
- Feeling off balance2%
- Vomiting2%
- Abdominal distension2%
- Chest pain2%
- Fluid retention2%
- Muscle spasms2%
- Back pain2%
- Balance disorder2%
- Abnormal coordination2%
- Partial loss of sensitivity to touch2%
- Lethargy2%
- Intense feeling of happiness2%
- Anxiety2%
- Depression2%
- Sore throat2%
The Norpramin (desipramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Starting Lyrica (pregabalin) or changing doses
- Driving impairment
- Taking Lyrica (pregabalin) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you drowsy
- Giant hives (angioedema)
- History of unusual swelling (angioedema)
- Taking other medications (ie. lisinopril) that can cause angioedema
- Heart problems
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Taking with certain diabetes medications
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lyrica (pregabalin) suddenly
- Higher risk of suicide
- People under age 24
- Possible bipolar disorder
- Serotonin syndrome
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Buspirone
- ADHD medicines
- Triptans
- Changes to the heartbeat
- History of heart disease
- Higher risk for seizures
- History of seizures
- History of brain damage or alcohol withdrawal