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Compare 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)
    Amitriptyline
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Amitriptyline

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Elavil

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Lyrica vs. Elavil

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Elavil

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older

  • Common Side Effects of Lyrica vs. Elavil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain

  • Warnings of Lyrica vs. Elavil

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls

  • Prices with our coupons for Lyrica vs. Elavil

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Amitriptyline

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