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Lyrica vs. Elavil

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (Pregabalin) and amitriptyline are both used to treat nerve pain, but they belong to different medication classes and have different primary uses. Pregabalin is an antiepileptic that treats nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries, and it also helps prevent seizures. It's taken 2 or 3 times a day and is available as a capsule and oral solution. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Amitriptyline, on the other hand, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily approved for treating depression but is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It can cause many side effects like sleepiness and weight gain and is taken either in divided doses throughout the day or as a single dose at bedtime. Unlike pregabalin, amitriptyline is not a controlled substance and does not have a risk of addiction. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Pregabalin

(Lyrica)

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Amitriptyline

 

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Summary for Lyrica

Prescription only

Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Indications for Lyrica

Pros and Cons for Lyrica

Pros

  • An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
  • Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
  • Available in a capsule and liquid

Cons

  • Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
  • Can cause weight gain
  • Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled

Common Side Effects for Lyrica

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Weight gain

Warnings for Lyrica

  • Allergic reactions and severe swelling
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
  • Slowed breathing
  • Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
  • Swelling of the arms or legs
  • Weight gain
  • Lower platelet levels
  • Possible risk of muscle breakdown

Summary for Elavil

Prescription only

Amitriptyline is also known by the old brand name Elavil. It's a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that's approved to treat depression. But it's not used as often today for depression because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness and weight gain. It also has many drug interactions. Even so, amitriptyline is often used off label for other reasons, like nerve pain from diabetes and to help prevent migraines. Amitriptyline comes as a generic tablet that you take by mouth. The brand name Elavil is no longer available.

Indications for Elavil

Pros and Cons for Elavil

Pros

  • Can start to work within 2 to 4 weeks
  • Can take with or without food

Cons

  • Has many unpleasant side effects, like dry mouth and sleepiness, and drug interactions
  • Not the best choice for people with heart problems, trouble urinating, or glaucoma or older adults

Common Side Effects for Elavil

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain

Warnings for Elavil

  • Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
  • Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
  • Low sodium levels
  • Risk of seizure
  • Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people

Prices with our coupons for Lyrica vs. Elavil

Price Card Drug Icon
Pregabalin60 capsules / 75mg
$13.43$39.25
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Amitriptyline30 tablets / 25mg
$4.00$4.00
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