Compare Lyrica vs. lidocaine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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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
Treats nerve pain.

Lidoderm (lidocaine) works well to treat nerve pain that is localized to a small area, but its topical application may cause minor skin irritation.

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4.2/ 5 average rating with 18 reviewsforlidocaine
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.
  • Minimal side-effects compared to other pain relievers since it works locally at the site of application.
  • Won't hurt your kidneys or liver unlike other pain relievers.
  • Available in many different topical formulations to fit your needs.
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.
  • Application may cause minor stinging or burning skin irritation.
  • Used patches requires proper medication disposal since it still contain enough medicine to be dangerous to children and pets.
  • Not a good choice if you've had allergic reactions to numbing medications (local anesthetics) or have a history of irregular heartbeats.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Cream
  • Gel
  • Ointment
  • Jelly
  • Spray
  • Patch
  • Lotion
  • Topical solution
Price
Lowest price
$881.74
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Lowest price
$809.18
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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)?

Leave a review
18 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
72%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lidoderm (lidocaine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
28possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    23%
  • Drowsiness
    13%
  • Headache
    11%
  • Blurry vision
    8%
  • Weight gain
    8%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    4%
  • Increased appetite
    4%
  • Joint pain
    4%
  • Loss of focus
    4%
  • Feeling off balance
    2%
  • Vomiting
    2%
  • Abdominal distension
    2%
  • Chest pain
    2%
  • Fluid retention
    2%
  • Muscle spasms
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Balance disorder
    2%
  • Abnormal coordination
    2%
  • Partial loss of sensitivity to touch
    2%
  • Lethargy
    2%
  • Intense feeling of happiness
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Depression
    2%
  • Sore throat
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Lidoderm (lidocaine) 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Overdose
    • Use of heating pad on skin
    • Applying patch to red, irritated or broken skin
    • Leaving patch on for more than 12 hours
    • Using patch on a very large area
    • Older age
    • Smaller patients
    • Liver disease
  • Accidental poisoning
    • Not disposing of Lidoderm (lidocaine) correctly
  • Eye irritation
    • Not washing hands after touching or applying Lidoderm (lidocaine)
  • Skin reactions
    • Applying Lidoderm (lidocaine) to warm skin
    • Covering patch with wrap or heating pad
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Using Lidoderm (lidocaine) with medications to treat irregular heartbeat
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lyrica (pregabalin)
Learn more about Lidoderm (lidocaine)