If you experience seizures, pain from shingles, or other types of nerve pain, your doctor might prescribe you one of the following drugs: gabapentin or Lyrica. These drugs treat many of the same conditions. However, they have several differences that you should know about. Improving your knowledge about gabapentin vs Lyrica can help you make smarter decisions and improve your health outcomes. This comparison explains the similarities and differences between gabapentin and Lyrica, including side effects and withdrawal symptoms. You’ll also learn what to do if you have a dependency on one of these drugs. For example, day treatment or intensive outpatient treatment may help you on the road to recovery.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants. You can find it in several branded drugs, including Horizant, Neurontin, and Gralise. This drug is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog. This means it reduces the excitability of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain.[1] You may be prescribed gabapentin by a doctor if you experience any of the following conditions:[1]
  • Seizures: Gabapentin can treat adults and children aged three or older who have partial seizures.
  • Nerve pain after shingles: Many people experience a nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) after developing shingles. This is a rash that forms on your skin years after catching chickenpox. Gabapentin may help with this pain.
  • Restless legs syndrome: Gabapentin may help treat moderate to severe restless legs syndrome. This is often a painful condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs.
The branded drugs Gralise and Neurontin, which contain gabapentin, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for partial shingles and PHN.[1] Horizant is approved to treat PHN and restless legs syndrome.

What Is Lyrica?

Lyrica is the brand name for a medication called pregabalin. Like gabapentin, it’s an anticonvulsant and GABA analog. The drug calms overactive nerves in your body.[2] Your doctor may prescribe Lyrica (or another version of pregabalin) if you experience seizures, nerve pain, restless leg syndrome, or other conditions. Unlike gabapentin, pregabalin is also approved by the FDA for treating pain from fibromyalgia.[3] This is a chronic condition that causes tenderness and pain in the body. It can also contribute to fatigue and sleep problems.

What Are the Differences Between Gabapentin vs. Lyrica?

a woman with nerve pain can choose between gabapentin vs lyrica for treatment Gabapentin and Lyrica treat many of the same conditions. However, they have differences when it comes to drug classification, potential abuse, and absorption. Learn more below:

Drug Classification

One of the biggest differences between gabapentin and Lyrica is how the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies these drugs. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a controlled substance, with the DEA classifying it as a Schedule V drug.[4] Gabapentin (and the branded drugs that contain this medication) are not controlled substances on a federal level. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential abuse of all drugs scheduled by the DEA. Due to its DEA classification, insurance companies may regulate Lyrica.[3] This may make a prescription for the drug more expensive. However, it’s unlikely a doctor will deny writing a prescription for Lyrica because of its Schedule V rating.[3]

Potential Abuse

Because pregabalin is a Schedule V drug, it has the potential for abuse, according to the DEA, meaning it could cause dependence issues in some people.[5] Despite not being classified as a controlled substance, research from 2012 suggests that gabapentin is also prevalent as a drug of abuse.[6] A growing number of people have reported misuse of this medication. The timing of FDA trials might explain why the DEA has regulated pregabalin but not gabapentin.[3] The FDA approved the latter in the 1990s when the agency had fewer testing requirements. It approved pregabalin before this time period. If you have become dependent on gabapentin, Lyrica, or another prescription drug (including opioids), you are not alone. Taking the first step toward recovery might seem scary, but lasting change is possible. Southeast Addiction Center in Nashville, Tennessee, offers various sober living programs that can help you overcome your struggles and help you lead a life free from addiction. Contact our team at (615) 326-6449 to learn more.

Absorption

Another difference between gabapentin and Lyrica is how people tend to absorb these drugs. Research shows that the bloodstream absorbs Lyrica faster than gabapentin, with maximum blood plasma concentrations attained within 1 hour.[7] Peak blood plasma concentrations for gabapentin occur within 3-4 hours, according to the study. In other words, Lyrica may start to work in your body much quicker than gabapentin because of its formulation.

Gabapentin vs Lyrica: Dosage and Administration

Gabapentin and Lyrica are both available as capsules and a liquid solution.[8] You can also take gabapentin in tablet form. Here are the strengths of Lyrica in different forms:
  • Capsule: 25 (mg), 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg
  • Liquid solution: 20 mg/milliliter (mL)
Here are the strengths of gabapentin:
  • Capsule: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
  • Liquid solution: 250 mg/5 mL
  • Tablet: 600 mg, 800 mg
The form and dosage of your medication will depend on what your doctor thinks is best based on your condition, other drugs you may be taking, and other factors. They may change your dose at different intervals depending on how you react to your medication.

Side Effects of Gabapentin and Lyrica

Many of the side effects associated with gabapentin and Lyrica overlap. Here are some things you may experience when taking either one of these medications:[8]
  • Mild drowsiness
  • Mild dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Coordination problems
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the hands or feet
These mild side effects may go away after taking your medication for a while. However, contact your doctor if you continue to experience these problems. More serious side effects associated with both gabapentin and Lyrica may include depression, suicidal thoughts, severe sleepiness, and allergic reactions. Other side effects may be unique to either gabapentin or Lyrica.[8] For example, heart failure and muscle breakdown can occur when taking Lyrica. Mood changes and anxiety issues may occur with gabapentin. For a full list of possible side effects, read the disclaimer on your medication.

Withdrawing From Gabapentin or Lyrica

As mentioned earlier, both gabapentin and Lyrica may have the potential for abuse. Withdrawing properly from these drugs should happen under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Here are some common symptoms associated with both medications:[8]
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
Withdrawing from gabapentin or Lyrica will be difficult if you develop a dependence on either of these drugs. If this happens, working with a drug and alcohol addiction specialist in Tennessee can provide the support you need. Treatment for gabapentin or Lyrica dependence may involve these treatment options:

Day Treatment

This is an addiction treatment program that offers intensive individual, group, and family therapy, helping you discuss your difficulties in a safe environment. Day treatment can also include medication management and support services for those with co-occurring disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder. Many people benefit from day treatment as it operates during the day. This allows them to return home or to a sober living environment during the evenings. Individuals can continue to work or go to school while receiving help.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) allows those with a dependence on gabapentin or Lyrica to receive specialist addiction treatment for a few hours several times a week. They can return to their homes in the evening and continue to work or go to school. Like day treatment, IOP may include therapy, medication management, and support for co-occurring disorders.

How Southeast Addiction Center Can Help

If you or a loved one has developed a dependency on gabapentin or Lyrica, the friendly and non-judgmental team at Southeast Addiction Center, TN is waiting to hear from you. Our decades of combined experience have helped many patients who have walked through the doors of our treatment center in Nashville, Tennessee. Let us help you stop addiction in its tracks. Contact us at (615) 326-6449 to learn more about our day treatment and IOP programs.