Key takeaways
Pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat nerve pain and seizures. They are similar in that they can both help with nerve pain from shingles and are used as add-on treatments for partial seizures. However, they have some important differences. Pregabalin is also FDA-approved for nerve pain from diabetes and spinal cord injury, as well as fibromyalgia, while gabapentin is sometimes used off-label for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has some potential for addiction, whereas gabapentin is not federally controlled but is monitored in some states due to concerns about misuse. Pregabalin is available as a capsule and oral solution, while gabapentin comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. Common side effects for both include dizziness and drowsiness, but pregabalin is more likely to cause swelling in the extremities. Both medications can interact with alcohol and other sedating drugs, increasing the risk of drowsiness and breathing problems.
