Most people in America are bearing different types of pain like burning, shooting pain, etc. The reason behind this is due to damaged nerve cells in the brain. Sometimes the nerve-related pain is not bearable and creates uneasiness in an individual. There are two drugs Pregabalin and Gabapentin. Both are quite effective and potent painkillers. This article gives you a Pregabalin vs Gabapentin comparison.
If you are experiencing any nerve-related pain then today’s blog is dedicated to these medicines. After reading the blog, you will get to know about their similarities, differences, uses, dosage strengths, and safety measures. Let us start the blog!
Comparison: Pregabalin vs Gabapentin
What is Pregabalin?
This is a generic medicine and is used in many branded medicinal products like Lyrica and Lyrica CR. It is an authorized drug and classified to the gamma-aminobutyric acid class of medicines.
Pregabalin is helpful in treating epileptic seizures and various types of nerve pain. It can be linked to injury, diabetes, painful rashes by shingles, and fibromyalgia. It is a controlled substance of Schedule V and there is least chance to be misused.
What is Gabapentin?
It is FDA-approved to treat partial seizures, pain associated with painful rashes (shingles) and Restless Legs Syndrome in individuals. Gabapentin is not considered a Scheduled medicine. The medication is classified under the drug class of GABA.
Mechansim of Action of Gabapentin and Pregabalin:
Both have the same chemical structure as GABA, due to this, these are considered gabapentinoids. It has antiepileptic properties which helps to treat neuropathic pain. The exact mechanism of both medications is not known yet.
However, they blocked the alpha-2 delta subunit by binding with voltage-gated calcium channels. This binding in the central nervous system of the brain causes the inhibition of excited neurons.
This inhibition prevents the release of neurotransmitters and it also reduces the pain signals which helps to get relief from the pain and seizures. This is how these gabapentinoids work.
Similarities in Pregabalin & Gabapentin:
These two are generic variants and are used in various branded drugs.
Both medicines are sanctioned to treat postherpetic neuralgia in which a patient experiences burning pain due to severe rashes.
The medicinal class is the same in both variants i.e. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Differences : Pregabalin vs Gabapentin
1) Brand Names
Pregabalin is used as a salt composition in brand-name medications, such as Lyrica CR and Lyrica.
Gabapentin acts as an active substance in many branded drugs, like Neurontin, Gralise, etc.
2) Gabapentin vs Pregabalin Dose & Dosage Strength
The medicinal strength depends on the patient’s medical condition and the severity of the pain.
Gabapentin
Its dosage strengths are classified on the basis of its branded drugs. The various dosage strengths are as follows-
a) Neurontin (branded)
Tablet:
Capsule:
Solution: 250 mg/5 mL
Pregabalin
Its medicinal strength varies from brand to brand such as Lyrica and Lyrica CR. It is available in various forms:-
a) Lyrica (branded)
Capsule Form:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
- 225 mg
- 300 mg
Oral Solution: 20 mg/mL
b) Lyrica CR (branded)
ER Tablet:
- 82.5 mg
- 165 mg
- 330 mg
3) Pregabalin vs Gabapentin uses
Pregabalin:
Approved Uses-
Seizures:- When there is the occurrence of unmanageable electrical activity between the nerve cells, then seizures occur. It affects behavior and movement.
Neuropathic pain: It is caused and related to epilepsy, diabetes, fibromyalgia (muscle tenderness), injury, and shingles.
Over-the-counter Uses-
- Chronic cough
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Insomnia
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder etc.
Gabapentin
Medical Uses:-
- Partial Seizures
- Burning pain due to rashes of Shingles
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Off-label Uses
- Heart- problems
- Bipolar disorder
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety and Depression
- Insomnia etc.
4) Half-life
Gabapentin takes 5 to 7 hours
Pregabalin takes 4.5 to 7 hours
It is time taken by the medicines to get decreased by half and expelled from the body.
Side Effects of Gabapentin vs Pregabalin
Common Side Effects
- Unusual increase body weight
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Feeling anxious
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Backache
- Vomiting
- Lack of concentration
- Nervousness
Adverse Side Effects
- Hypoventilation (shallow breathing)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Suicidal ideation
Safety Measures for Both Medicines:
Patients have to follow certain precautions while taking these drugs. These are as follows-
- If medicines suddenly stop to take these medicines may cause serious withdrawal symptoms.
- These active components may cause allergic reactions so you should inform your doctor about your allergies. If you find you are allergic then stop to take medicines.
- Never drink alcohol while taking these medications.
- Try to avoid Overdose of the medicines.
- Always keep these drugs at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.
- Never take these drugs at the same time with other medicines to prevent drug interaction.
- If side effects are not going away then immediately you should seek medical advice.
Conclusion:
There are many types of pain which may vary from person to person. In many ways Gabapentin and Pregabalin are similar and different to some extent. Both have quite similar ways to minimize seizures and nerve pain in patients.
These two are quite good and approved medicines to treat pain. I hope after reading the blog, you are now able to differentiate between these drugs. Always consult a doctor before taking these or any kind of drugs.
