Hi Caren. Lyrica is very similar to Gabapentin only a different formula (from what my pharmacist told me). Also, it is brand and there is no generic. It really just depends on what works best for you and your pocketbook.
Hope this has been helpful and you find the best solution for you. Best wishes.
Colleen
Discussion Topic
switching from gabapentin to Lyrica?
Posted on 09/24/09, 05:25 pm
I'm wondering if anyone has switched from gabapentin to Lyrica. I've had many years of success with gabapentin to control severe nerve pain from an emergency back surgery. I'm at the max dosage (1200mg 3 times a day), and unfortunately I think I may have built up a tolerance- I'm having more frequent breakthrough pain, like electric shocks. My primary care doc has suggested trying Lyrica, but I would need to titrate down off the gabapentin and then up on the Lyrica, and I'm terrified about what that transition time would be like. Has anyone tried this? Thanks!
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Reply #1 09/24/09 9:27pm
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Reply #2 10/11/09 3:11pm
hi caren28, im curious, did you end up switching? im hearing alot bout lyrica, as im using gabapentin, and its not working so much anymore. so i was wondering if you ended up switching, and how do you feel? byes, n good luck!! -
Reply #3 10/13/09 11:50am
I have not made the switch. I think I'm going to stay with the gabapentin unless it really stops working altogether. I work full-time and I can't imagine I'd be able to work while on a lower dose. I get pretty nasty pain if I'm even a few hours late on a dose now. Plus, as ColleenH said, the two are chemically very similar, so there's no guarantee it would work better. I'd be interested to hear what your doctors are saying, though. -
Reply #4 11/01/09 1:35pm
I went from Gabapentin to Lyrica awhile ago. Lyrica is supposed to be a little better. Problem -- many insurance companies don't pay for it for neuropathic pain only for epilepsy. So it's about $120/month for a regular dose. I didn't notice any real difference and the switch to and back to Gabapentin was easy.
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