Lyrica V Gabapentin

Lyrica V Gabapentin

Lyrica V gabapentin belongs to the same group of drugs called gabapentinoids.

They are both drugs used for treating neuropathic pain, and both of them have separated other uses.

Neuropathic pain happens as a result of damage occurring to the nervous system that causes the nerves to send incorrect messages causing different types of pain.

People describe the pain by the following words:

• tight
• shooting
• electric
• tingling
• burning
• piercing
• freezing
• stabbing

Lyrica V Gabapentin is also an antiepileptic drug used in controlling partial seizures in combination with other drugs.

Lyrica can also be used in:

• Fibromyalgia
• Off-label uses like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, insomnia (type of sleeping problems), and chronic pain conditions.

 

 

Gabapentin can also be used in:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord)
• Off-label uses like restless leg syndrome, cocaine withdrawal, Insomnia, diabetic neuropathy, tremors in multiple sclerosis, and cancer-related hot flashes

How do they both work?

Lyrica V Gabapentin work by affecting the messages responsible for pain, reducing their effect on the nerve, and reducing pain.

How should I take them?

Lyrica V Gabapentin is available in oral forms only.

Capsules, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions

If you are taking the extended-release tablets, take them without chewing, crushing, or breaking

You should also take it at the same time every day to keep a constant level of the drug in the blood.

If you are taking the oral solution, you have to take it with a measuring syringe or special measuring device, don’t take it with household spoons, or else the dose will not be accurate

Lyrica V Gabapentin is usually taken two or three times daily

The doctor usually describes the lowest dose first, then increases it when needed till reaches the lowest effective dose.

Food doesn’t affect the absorption and bioavailability of the drugs.

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if it is the time for the next dose, don’t double the dose, or else you may suffer from overdose symptoms.

If you overdosed on any of the two drugs, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Side effects:

There are common side effects between Lyrica and gabapentin

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Mood changes
• Edema in the limbs (swelling of them)

But as Lyrica is being absorbed more quickly, it causes fewer side effects.

Different side effects are:

Lyrica	Gabapentin
Dry mouth Constipation Breast enlargement Weight gain especially if you have diabetes	Speaking difficulties Fever Increased chance to get infected with viral infections Uncontrolled eye movements Fast uncontrollable movements (jerky movements)

 

 

 

Absorption:

Lyrica is absorbed more rapidly than gabapentin.

The peak concentration of Lyrica happens within 1 hour, while that of Gabapentin happens within 3-4 hours.

Potency:

Lyrica is a more potent antiepileptic drug resulting in the reduction of the frequency of seizures.

It is also more effective in controlling neuropathic pain caused by any of the mentioned conditions.

Both Lyrica V Gabapentin should not be stopped suddenly, the dose should be decreased gradually or else they may cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms of Gabapentin:

• Drowsiness
• Inability to control muscle movements
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Sweating

Withdrawal symptoms of Lyrica:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Sleeping problems
• Sweating
• Anxiety

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

Lyrica V Gabapentin has similar interactions except that Gabapentin interacts also with NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.

Lyrica serious drug-drug interactions,

these drugs should not be used with Lyrica and you have to use an alternative drug.

• benazepril
• captopril
• enalapril
• everolimus
• fosinopril
• imidapril
• lisinopril
• metoclopramide intranasal
• moexipril
• perindopril
• quinapril
• ramipril
• sirolimus
• temsirolimus
• trandolapril

Gabapentin has similar serious interactions with some drugs.

• metoclopramide intranasal
• valerian

There are other lists for both drugs that need close monitoring when concomitantly used, always inform your physician about the drugs taken before taking either one of them.

Pregnancy and lactation:

Both Lyrica and Gabapentin should not be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women under normal conditions.

For Lyrica, there are not enough studies on pregnant women, so it should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks and under close monitoring of the physician.

For Gabapentin, animal studies have given evidence of toxicity during the development of the fetus (abnormalities in the skeleton and increased mortality), it also should not be used except if the benefits way outweigh the risks.

Both of them have been detected in the mother’s milk, that’s why you should consult with your midwife about alternative feeding options, or with your doctor about alternative drugs.

Lyrica has been found to overweigh the effectiveness and potency of Gabapentin, fewer and less severe side effects, faster onset of action, and less needed dose.

Make sure to buy the drug of choice from a trusted source, such as pharmastores.

 

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