Compare Lyrica vs. Pamelor
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.
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
Improves mood.
Pamelor (nortriptyline) is a good option for treating depression, especially for people who also have problems with persistent nerve pain, but may take 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full effects on your mood.
●●●●●
4.0/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforPamelor
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.
- Helpful with treating certain types of pain, like migraines or nerve-related pain.
- Generally well tolerated and has fewer side effects than other medicines in the same class of drugs.
- Available as a generic in 2 different forms: capsule and liquid.
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.
- Side effects are usually manageable, but can be annoying.
- There's an increased chance of it causing heart problems, especially in people with a history of heart problems.
Used for
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$881.74
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$4.00
Find instant savings near youWant 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 review19 reviews so far
79%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pamelor (nortriptyline)?
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%
The Pamelor (nortriptyline) 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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Changing the dose
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older
- Other blood pressure lowering medications
- Eye problems
- Glaucoma
- Rare, life-threatening
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Triptans
- St. John's wort
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- MAO inhibitors
- Heart problems
- History of heart disease
- Older age
- Electrolyte imbalance