Key takeaways
Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat nerve pain and seizures, but they have some differences. Gabapentin is available as a lower-cost generic and is typically taken three times a day, while pregabalin is also available as a generic but is usually taken two or three times a day. Gabapentin is approved for nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on for partial seizures, whereas pregabalin is approved for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance due to its potential for addiction, while gabapentin is controlled in some states but not federally. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but pregabalin also commonly causes swelling and weight gain. Gabapentin can lead to serious skin reactions and suicidal thoughts, while pregabalin can cause angioedema and has a risk of muscle breakdown. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
