Compare Lyrica vs. Neurontin

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Lyrica (pregabalin)

Prescription only

Neurontin (gabapentin)

Prescription only
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.

●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
Treats tingling and burning nerve pain.

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an old seizure disorder medicine that is now used to treat nerve-related pain caused by different conditions.

●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 620 reviewsforNeurontin
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.
  • Originally used to treat epilepsy (partial seizures), but now it primarily treats neuropathic pain that's caused by nerve stimulation or damage.
  • Studies show it's most effective for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia (a painful muscle condition).
  • It's available as a generic, so it's less expensive than similar medications.
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.
  • Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause some side effects, including memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. There is a higher risk for these side effects if you drink alcohol, so it might not be the best medication for heavy drinkers.
  • You can't skip or miss doses since suddenly stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause seizures.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$438.33
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$767.00
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
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
620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?

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
20possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    28%
  • Drowsiness
    21%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    8%
  • Abnormal physical weakness
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Infection
    5%
  • Dry mouth
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Accidental injury
    3%
  • Stomach pain
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Worse coordination
    3%
  • Thinking abnormal
    3%
  • Decreased vision
    3%
  • Gas
    2%
  • Weight gain
    2%
  • Abnormal gait
    2%
  • Lack of coordination
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Neurologic and psychiatric side effects (children)
    • Children ages 3 to 12
  • Serious allergic reaction and multiple organ problems
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that cause dizziness and/or drowsiness
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lyrica (pregabalin)
Learn more about Neurontin (gabapentin)