Difference between gabapentin and pregabalin

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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28

Pregabalin and Gabapentin are similar medications that are used to treat the same conditions. However, Pregabalin is approved to treat more conditions compared to Gabapentin.They share a lot of similarities along with various differences in several factors.Gabapentin and Pregabalin are medications prescribed for nerve pain and seizures. Both these medications are classified as gabapentinoids, but there are some distinctions between the two medicines.Pregabalin versus gabapentin: which one should you choose? That’s the question many individuals ask when deciding between these two medicines.In this guide, we will highlight some of the similarities and differences between these effective medications so that you can make an informed decision.Differences: Pregabalin vs GabapentinOne of the primary distinctions between gabapentin and pregabalin is that the Food and Drug Administration has approved both drugs for some of the same uses but also different ones.In the chart below, we have given the indications for which the FDA approves pregabalin and gabapentin [1]:GabapentinPregabalin FDA Indications Postherpetic neuralgia in adults.Partial seizures in children and adults (ages 3 years and older) who have epilepsy.Postherpetic neuralgia in adults.Fibromyalgia in adults.Nerve pain due to spinal cord injury in adults.Nerve pain due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy in adults.Partial seizures in children (age 1 month and older) who have epilepsy.Doctors may also prescribe Pregabalin and Gabapentin for other uses besides the conditions specified by the FDA.Off-label indications of these medications include –Panic disorderGeneralized anxiety disorderSubstance use disorderMigrainePost-traumatic stress disorder.If you’re prescribed Pregabalin for its numerous uses, visit our category page Pregabalin Capsules, to explore one of the most popular brand versions of this medication, namely, Nervigesic.Some other differences between Pregabalin and Gabapentin are –Gabapentin is a controlled substance (medications that can cause mental or physical dependence) only in some States, while Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance (medications with a very low risk of abuse).Pregabalin starts working faster because it is absorbed more quickly than gabapentin.The common side effects of Pregabalin include dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, weight gain, indigestion, and constipation. At the same time, the common side effects of Gabapentin include – shaking, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness.Pregabalin is available as an oral solution, capsule, and extended-release tablet. Gabapentin is available as a tablet, oral solution, capsule, and extended-release tablet.The half-life of Lyrica is 6.3 hours, and that of Gabapentin is 5-7 hours. The half-life of a medication is defined as the time required by a drug to be reduced to half of the original amount [2] [3].Similarities: Gabapentin And PregabalinSome of the notable similarities between Gabapentin and Pregabalin are as follows –Both Gabapentin and Pregabalin have similar mechanisms of action. These medicines work by mimicking the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).Gamma-aminobutyric acid is thought to have a calming effect and reduces the activity of the nerves in the brain, which is thought to slow down nerve signals involved in pain and seizures [1].Both Gabapentin and Pregabalin undergo renal excretion, which means they are removed from the body through the kidneys.Gabapentin and Pregabalin are dosed 2-3 times a day.They have similar drug

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