Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Lyrica (pregabalin) and tramadol are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an antiepileptic medication that treats nerve pain from conditions like diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries, as well as fibromyalgia and partial-onset seizures. It is available in both capsule and oral solution forms and is typically taken 2 or 3 times a day. Tramadol, on the other hand, is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't effective enough. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release taken every 4 to 6 hours and the extended-release taken once a day. While Lyrica can cause dizziness and drowsiness, tramadol has a higher risk of serious side effects like dangerously slow breathing and addiction. Additionally, tramadol is not recommended for children under 12 or for breastfeeding mothers; Lyrica is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers and must be used with caution in those with a history of swelling or depression. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Tramadol
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Tramadol
Summary of Lyrica vs. Conzip
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 Opioid
Prescription only
Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.