Nerve pains and associated discomforts caused by injuries of the spinal cord, autoimmune conditions such as diabetes mellitus and infections like shingles may need meds of a different order. For such nerve conditions, drugs belonging to a genre called anti-epileptics are widely administered. These meds are also labelled as anticonvulsants. Gabapentin and lyrica are commonly administered drugs in this genre. But, what are the differences between these two meds? It is a good practice to know the differences prior to starting your treatment plan?
US-based federal drug clearing body – food and drug administration (FDA) has approved a few drugs for the treatment of nerve-based disorders. These drugs are grouped under anticonvulsants or antiepileptic meds. The active chemicals of such drugs ease your nerves and bring about needful cure for convulsions, seizures and / or fits. These meds also work on signals that communicate pains all through your nerves.
What is gabapentin?
This med is administered for the control as well as prevention of epileptic seizures. This drug – similar to lyrica – belongs to a genre called anti-epileptics or anticonvulsants. This med is sold both as a branded formulation and as a generic drug. It is also administered as extended release form and as an immediate release version. A liquid version of the same med is also widely available.
It is used for a range of nerve conditions such as neuralgia, seizures or convulsions and to manage painful nerves triggered by shingles. The key ingredients help numb pain signals; in case of seizures, the main substances can change the level of calcium. This is due to the strong link between likely onset of convulsions and drop in calcium levels.
What is lyrica?
This is a branded version of a med called pregabalin. It is used for the treatment (and case management) of nerve pain – also known as fibromyalgia. Such pains are often witnessed by people living with conditions such as diabetes (neuropathy among diabetics), shingles (caused by herpes-zoster) as well as injuries of the spinal cord. Those living with cardiac conditions may witness inflammation of limbs; the same may occur for those with autoimmune problems like diabetes mellitus. Such patients are also likely to see a sudden increase in body weight.
It becomes important to tell your treating physician about prior ailments such as mental conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, internal bleeding problems, substance abuse (being addicted to alcohol), etc. Use of lyrica is not approved for those aged below 18 years. If you are nursing suicidal thoughts, it is a vital thing to tell your caregiver of such instincts.
What are the key differences between gabapentin and lyrica?
These two drugs belong to the same class of meds known as anti-epileptics. Of these two drugs, lyrica is likely to trigger adverse side effects such as dehydration, dryness of mouth, difficulties to pass stools, inflammation as well as an inexplicable increase in weight. In some cases, sudden enlargement of breasts has been witnessed among people who take lyrica. On the other hand, side effects caused by gabapentin may trigger speech difficulties, added risks of virus-triggered infections, restless or jerky movements of eyes.
Lyrica stands to get absorbed sooner than its counterpart. It may consume less than an hour for lyrica to attain high level of concentration. Gabapentin may need more than 3 hours to attain highest level of concentration. Both these drugs are prescription meds; hence, you are not advised to take either of them as an over the counter (OTC) drug. It is highly recommended to talk to your treating doctor and understand the differences prior to commencing your medication plan.
