Gabapentin vs Ibuprofen Comparison: Which Works Faster For Nerve Pain?
Many patients around the world seek pain relief, and its medication are a lot. Two drugs that a lot of health professionals provide are Gabapentin and Ibuprofen. Both are some of the strongest painkillers that help patients with moderate-to-severe pain. While doctors recommend and prescribe these two medicines, patients wonder which of the two drugs is better between Gabapentin vs Ibuprofen. For better results, patients also think of mixing the two medicines, which is safe or not, must be discussed. Besides mixing with each other, we can also see Gabapentin and Ibuprofen interacting with other drugs, which are some of the riskiest ways to treat chronic pain. Let’s understand the two medicines thoroughly.
Gabapentin vs Ibuprofen: A Comparative Study of the Two Painkillers
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat chronic pain, leg restlessness, and severe seizures. It treats many types of nerve pain. Doctors also prescribe it for off-label issues like diabetic nerve pain, sleeping problems, and anxiety disorders. As a prescribed drug, Gabapentin can only be used if a doctor prescribes the drug to a patient. But as it has less potency for abuse, it is not seen as a controlled substance. There are certain subunits of calcium channels that bind with Gabapentin. This stops some of the overreacting cells in the nerves, reducing the pain to many levels down.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a painkiller, prescribed for pain relief, inflammation-related issues, and even treating fever. It is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), and also available as an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. But one should always consult a doctor and take this medication, as it has some side effects. Ibuprofen enters our system and inhibits certain chemicals called cyclooxygenase (COX). These are produced to counter an element called prostaglandins, which causes many kinds of pain, inflammation, and fever, too. One can find these medicines in medical stores in the form of oral tablets. Menstrual pain and cramps can also be treated with Ibuprofen.
Can You Take Gabapentin and Ibuprofen Together?
Patients can take Ibuprofen and Gabapentin together, and it is seen as a safe thing to do, as both drugs have different functions, which bring about good relief from pain. But one should first ask a healthcare official before mixing the doses, as some potential side effects can show up. While Ibuprofen will stop any sort of inflammation in any part of the body, Gabapentin will ease the nerves that are responsible for any type of pain. This helps the patient experience the best relief from pain. But how effective can it be? That can only be seen after its use.
Similarities between Gabapentin and Ibuprofen
Well, there are some things that are common in both Gabapentin and Ibuprofen. Both medications are used not just for pain management, but also for post-operative or post-injury pain relief. They use them together for amplified pain relief. Ibuprofen and Gabapentin are both non-controlled drugs, which makes them less potent for abuse, and one can safely take them for pain relief. While Gabapentin treats nerve pain and Ibuprofen prevents inflammation, we know very well that both types of pain are related to each other, as inflammation causes nerve pain in certain areas of our body. But both drugs have a lot of differences, much more than their similarities.
Differences between Gabapentin and Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen and Gabapentin can differ in many categories, like class of drugs, mechanism, and even side effects. Let’s understand these differences in detail.
| Categories | Gabapentin | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
| Uses | Gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain. | Ibuprofen can stop inflammation. |
| Class | Seen as an anticonvulsant drug. | Known to be an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). |
| Mechanism | Binds with subunits of calcium channels in the nervous system to reduce nerve pain. | Works on the COX enzyme (cyclooxygenase) to stop pain-causing prostaglandins. |
| Onset | Has a longer onset of almost a week. | Quick onset of just 30 minutes. |
| Half-Life | Average half-life of 5-7 hours. | Shorter half-life of 1-2 hours. |
| Side Effects | Most side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and anxiety. | Common side effects are bad stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. |
| Market availability | Gabapentin can only be obtained through a prescription. | Ibuprofen is available as an OTC drug, yet it should be recommended by a healthcare professional. |
Drug Interactions
Besides interacting with each other, Gabapentin and Ibuprofen interaction can take place with other drugs too, which may be harmful to our body. These two drugs can commonly interact with alcohol, which is not at all permissible. Let’s take a look at the interaction of the two painkillers with actual drugs.
Gabapentin Drug Interactions
- Norco
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Tramadol
Ibuprofen Drug Interaction
- Aspirin
- Cannabidiol
- Flurbiprofen
- Lithium
- Lexapro
- Proxac
- Zoloft
Which is better: Gabapentin or Ibuprofen?
Patients ask this question a lot, and the answer might vary depending on the type of pain one deals with. One medicine can be better than the other in some areas, like if someone wants long-lasting pain relief, then they can go for Gabapentin. But one should go with Ibuprofen if they need help in treating pain caused by inflammation. By now, we can say that both Ibuprofen and Gabapentin are the most effective drugs for their purpose, making them the best medications for nerve pain and inflammation, respectively. So, here we cannot say one medicine is better than the other.
Conclusion
Gabapentin and Ibuprofen are two best medications for pain relief, and in our daily life, when we go through so much physical and mental pain, we can all bank on these two drugs. Take these drugs with a doctor’s advice as prescribed or OTC, because they are strong painkillers, used for patients who are recovering from injuries or operations. Overdose of many medicines is harmful, and the same goes for Ibuprofen and Gabapentin, as both have their own side effects.