Compare Lyrica vs. Neurontin

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

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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.

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$482.60
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Lowest price
$599.36
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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
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)