Compare Lyrica vs. Neurontin
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
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.
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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.
Used for
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$573.89
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$597.21
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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 review620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?
Leave a reviewSide 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%
20possible side effects
- Dizziness28%
- Drowsiness21%
- Swelling in the limbs8%
- Abnormal physical weakness6%
- Diarrhea6%
- Infection5%
- Dry mouth5%
- Constipation4%
- Nausea4%
- Headache3%
- Accidental injury3%
- Stomach pain3%
- Vomiting3%
- Worse coordination3%
- Thinking abnormal3%
- Decreased vision3%
- Gas2%
- Weight gain2%
- Abnormal gait2%
- Lack of coordination2%
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
- 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