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Compare Lyrica vs. Desipramine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Norpramin (Desipramine) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Pregabalin is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. It is taken 2 or 3 times a day and is available as a capsule and oral solution. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Desipramine, on the other hand, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression in adults. It is typically taken once a day and can cause side effects like sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. Unlike pregabalin, desipramine is not a controlled substance and does not have a risk of misuse or addiction. Both medications can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but they work differently in the brain. Pregabalin lowers certain chemicals to relieve pain and prevent seizures, while desipramine raises serotonin and norepinephrine levels to improve mood.

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Desipramine (Norpramin)

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) treats pain caused by nerve damage and fibromyalgia in adults. It can be used with other medications to prevent seizures for both adults and children. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is taken by mouth, typically 2 or 3 times a day. It's available as a capsule and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dizziness and drowsiness.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Prescription only

    Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

  • Indications of Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Available in a capsule and oral solution
    •Used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Must avoid drinking alcohol
    •Not recommended for breastfeeding females
    •Can cause weight gain
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
    •Can be taken just once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Can raise risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens, and young adults

  • Common Side Effects of Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (8-29%)
    •Drowsiness (4-16%)
    •Swelling of hands, feet, arms, or legs (4-12%)
    •Dry mouth (2-7%)
    •Weight gain (4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

  • Warnings of Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty driving and concentrating
    •Breathing problems
    •Swelling in the limbs and weight gain
    •Withdrawal symptoms and risk of seizures
    •Possible risk of bleeds (from low platelet levels)
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Lyrica vs. Desipramine

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Desipramine

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