Lyrica and Gabapentin are two prescribed drugs to treat partial-onset seizures and nerve pain, respectively. Lyrica has been a brand-name medicine that contains pregabalin, whereas gabapentin is indeed a generic prescription that is marketed under various brand names, including Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.
While Gabapentin and Lyrica are antiepileptic drugs, they also have analgesic properties. They belong to a family of medications known as antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medicines. They do, however, have analgesic properties.
The primary goal of these medications is to cure disorders by targeting the CNS or the central nervous system and altering brain chemistry. They help to reduce the release of specific nerve signals and neurotransmitters that are involved in seizures and pain as well as to speed up nerve impulses that govern our sleep-wake cycle.
Despite the fact that they are comparable drugs with similar aims, Lyrica vs Gabapentin differs in a number of ways. Keep reading to find out more about the differences and similarities between these drugs.
What Is Lyrica?
Lyrica for neuropathy is the brand name of a medication called pregabalin. Pregabalin is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic agents. These drugs are used to target the central nervous system (CNS) and alter brain chemistry in order to treat diseases.
They work by decreasing the release of certain neurotransmitters and nerve signals involved with pain and seizures, as well as speeding up nerve signals that control our sleep-wake cycle.
Lyrica was originally approved by the FDA in 2004 for treating partial-onset seizures in adults. However, it has since been approved for other conditions, including:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Generalized anxiety disorder

What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is the generic name of a medication that is available under several brand names, including Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant. Like Lyrica, gabapentin is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic agent that is used to target the central nervous system (CNS) and alter brain chemistry.
It works by decreasing the release of certain neurotransmitters and nerve signals involved with pain and seizures, as well as speeding up nerve signals that control our sleep-wake cycle.
Gabapentin was originally approved by the FDA in 1993 for treating partial-onset seizures in adults. However, it has since been approved for other conditions, including:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Restless legs syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Lyrica vs. Gabapentin
What Are The Similarities Between Lyrica And Gabapentin?
Gabapentin and Lyrica are both prescription medications that are used to target the central nervous system (CNS) and alter brain chemistry in order to treat diseases. They work by decreasing the release of certain neurotransmitters and nerve signals involved with pain and seizures, as well as speeding up nerve signals that control our sleep-wake cycle. Both Lyrica and gabapentin are also approved for treating partial-onset seizures in adults.
What Are The Differences Between Lyrica And Gabapentin?
Although Lyrica and gabapentin are both anticonvulsant or antiepileptic agents, they differ in several ways. For one, Lyrica is a brand-name medication while gabapentin is available as a generic drug. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs.
Another difference between Lyrica and Gabapentin is that Lyrica is also approved to treat fibromyalgia, while gabapentin is not. Additionally, Lyrica is available in oral capsules while gabapentin comes in oral tablets, oral solutions, and extended-release tablets.
Gabapentin is also available in a brand-name formulation that is specifically for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS). This formulation, known as Horizant, is not available for Lyrica.
Finally, Lyrica and gabapentin also differ in terms of their side effects. Common side effects of Lyrica include drowsiness, dry mouth, and swelling. Common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness, sleepiness, and headache.
Side Effects Of Lyrica vs. Gabapentin
Lyrica and Gabapentin also differ in terms of their side effects. Common side effects of Lyrica include drowsiness, dry mouth, and swelling. Common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness, sleepiness, and headache.
Some more serious side effects associated with Lyrica include angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), blurred vision, changes in weight or appetite, difficulty urinating, and slurred speech.
Some serious side effects associated with gabapentin include Allergic reactions (hives, rash, itching, trouble breathing, chest tightness, inflammation of the mouth, cheeks, lips, tongue, or throat); disorientation; drowsiness; fever; lack of coordination; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; persistent or severe diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting; shortness in breathing; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
If you experience any serious side effects while taking Lyrica or gabapentin, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

Dosage Of Lyrica vs. Gabapentin
Lyrica for pain is available in oral capsules that are taken two to three times daily. The recommended starting dose is 75 mg per day, which may be increased to a maximum dose of 300 mg per day.
Gabapentin is available in oral tablets (100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg), oral solution (250 mg/5 mL), and extended-release tablets (600 mg and 1,200 mg). The recommended starting dose is 300 mg per day, which may be increased to a maximum dose of 3,600 mg per day.
Gabapentin should be taken with food, while Lyrica can be taken with or without food.
Who Should Take Lyrica vs. Gabapentin
Lyrica is approved for treating partial-onset seizures in adults, as well as fibromyalgia. It should not be used by anyone who is allergic to pregabalin or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
Gabapentin is approved for treating partial-onset seizures in adults. It should not be used by anyone who is allergic to gabapentin or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
Pregnant women should not take Lyrica, as it may harm the developing baby. Gabapentin is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, which means it may cause harm to the developing baby.
Nursing mothers should not take Lyrica, as it may pass into breast milk and cause harm to the nursing infant. Gabapentin is also not recommended for nursing mothers, as it may pass into breast milk.
People with kidney problems should use caution when taking Lyrica, as the medication can be harmful to the kidneys. People with kidney problems should also use caution when taking gabapentin, as the medication can also be harmful to the kidneys.
Final Thoughts
Lyrica and gabapentin are both medications used to treat partial-onset seizures and fibromyalgia. They work in similar ways and have similar side effects. The best way to determine if Lyrica or gabapentin is the better medication for you is to speak with your doctor. They will be able to take into account your medical history and other factors to make the best recommendation for you.