Gabapentin v Lyrica

Discuss different Pain Management Options; Medication options including side effects and Worldwide variances in names etc.
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helenlegs 11
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Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by helenlegs 11 »

Has anyone taken Gabapentin (Neurontin) in the past and switched to Lyrica (Pregabalin) or indeed the other way around ? ?

I would like to know if these drugs are EXACTLY the same as my GP has just informed me. She will not prescribe the lyrica for that reason even though I had such bad withdrawl from the gabapentin (2 months flu like symptoms some almost blackouts, strange, strange time)
Obviously I would like to give lyrica a go , I have seen a few people here who have been helped by it but because 'they are exactly the same' I haven't been given the opportunity. I asked if it was a cost issue which was denied. So if not what on earth IS the issue ? ? ?
This woman is the bain of my life, I hate to go and see her, even had a jippy tummy this morning in anticipation of my appointment. (anticipation better than constipation I guess :) )

The woman may be completely right but if it is exactly the same and there is no cost issue why not just prescribe it then ! !
the comeuppance is that I now have more gabapentin which I am loath to take plus more tramadol which requires careful balancing with laxative so again I am loath to take them too.

The pharmacist did say they are similar drugs but not the same, actually lyrica has a longer list of side effects (which may or may not occur of course) but some first hand experience of someone taking both would help as I have to seriously consider changing GP's.
Thanks in anticipation
Helen
Fall 2008. Misdiagnosed with lumber spine problem. MRN June 2010 indicated pudendal entrapment at Alcocks canal. Diagnosed with complex variant piriformis syndrome with sciatic, pudendal and gluteal entrapment's by Dr Filler 2010.Guided piriformis botox injection 2011 Bristol. 2013, Nerve conduction test positive; new spinal MRI scan negative, so diagnosed for the 4th time with pelvic nerve entrapment, now recognised as Sciatic, pudendal, PFCN and cluneal nerves at piriformis level.
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Karyn
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Location: Lowell, MA

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by Karyn »

Hi Helen,
I've never taken Lyrica but did ask my GP about it while I was on Neurontin. She also told me they were pretty much the same drug, but a small percentage of people were able to tolerate the side effects a bit better. That was enough for me to take a pass, since I did so poorly with the neurontin.
I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time with this GP and finding the right meds. You shouldn't be getting a jippy tummy every time you have to see her. GP's are supposed to inspire confidence and comfort.
I wish you the very best!
Warm regards,
Karyn
Ultra Sound in 03/08 showed severely retroverted, detaching uterus with mulitple fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Pressure and pain in lower abdomen and groin area was unspeakable and devastating.
Total lap hysterectomy in 06/08, but damage was already done.
EMG testing in NH in 04/10 - bilateral PN and Ilioinguals
3T MRI at HSS, NY in 09/10
Bilateral TG surgery with Dr. Conway on 03/29/11. Bilat ilioinguinal & iliohypogastric neurectomy 03/12. TCD surgery 04/14.
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Faith
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Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by Faith »

My doc told me they were the same too. Well lyrica is the metabolite of neurontin, so what the body breaks it down to. Which is why someone takes 2400mg of neurontin and 300mg of lyrics because lyrics is more cocentrated so to speak. I wanted to try lyrics too but since I have done decently well on neurontin she says there is no use trying lyrica. In your case though it might be worth a shot. Some people can tolerate one drug and not another no matter what science tells us.
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
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donstore
Posts: 463
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 6:13 am
Location: San Francisco

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by donstore »

Neurontin made me foggy. I found the Lyrica worked better for me with less side effects. From what I have read on the boards, Lyrica seems to be the favorite among people who have tried both. Regardless of what any doctor says, everyone is different. Cost is always an issue. Lyrica is expensive so often the only way to get it is to report unacceptable side effects from the neurontin. Also, Lyrica works right away.

Don
Mild to moderate PN for 5 plus years, pain controlled by lyrica and opiates.
Nerve block (unguided) 9/10 Dr. Jerome Weiss - sciatica for 5 months but got numb in painful perineal/scrotal area - he diagnosed entrapment - but no more cortisone for me
Potter MRI 5/11 - rt STL entrapment of PN at Alcocks
Consult with Dr. Hibner Feb. 2012
Bilateral inguinal hernias diagnosed by dynamic ultrasound - surgery on 6/20/13
Feeling a little better, a few more months will tell
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helenlegs 11
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Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:39 am
Location: North East England

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by helenlegs 11 »

Thanks for the replies guys,
Well I did report unacceptable withdrawl but obviously thats not enough for her. Yes neurontin made me foggy (try thick as a brick) too, I was taking 2400mg's per day but it did help me sleep a lot better too. Hey Ho ! not much point in bitching on about it as I've been told no twice now, doubt I will win this round. Ding Ding.
Take care all,
Helen
Fall 2008. Misdiagnosed with lumber spine problem. MRN June 2010 indicated pudendal entrapment at Alcocks canal. Diagnosed with complex variant piriformis syndrome with sciatic, pudendal and gluteal entrapment's by Dr Filler 2010.Guided piriformis botox injection 2011 Bristol. 2013, Nerve conduction test positive; new spinal MRI scan negative, so diagnosed for the 4th time with pelvic nerve entrapment, now recognised as Sciatic, pudendal, PFCN and cluneal nerves at piriformis level.
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donstore
Posts: 463
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 6:13 am
Location: San Francisco

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by donstore »

Helen,
If I had a gp that wouldn't go to bat for me, I would get another gp. A doctor is just a service provider like a mechanic or hairdresser, just with a little more schooling. When they decide their opinion is more important than your well-being, it is time to move on. I have made this move in the past and never regretted it.

Best Wishes,

Don
Mild to moderate PN for 5 plus years, pain controlled by lyrica and opiates.
Nerve block (unguided) 9/10 Dr. Jerome Weiss - sciatica for 5 months but got numb in painful perineal/scrotal area - he diagnosed entrapment - but no more cortisone for me
Potter MRI 5/11 - rt STL entrapment of PN at Alcocks
Consult with Dr. Hibner Feb. 2012
Bilateral inguinal hernias diagnosed by dynamic ultrasound - surgery on 6/20/13
Feeling a little better, a few more months will tell
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helenlegs 11
Posts: 1779
Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:39 am
Location: North East England

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by helenlegs 11 »

Hi Donstore,
I have been giving her 'one more chance' for soooo long now. Although I have also been hanging on in there to prove that her seeming inability to take this seriously and almost obstructive actions are unjust.Think I'll just have to get over myself on that one.
I have more than proved this point but it still doesn't seem to register, as you say, time to move on.Think you have just given me that extra push to do just that. . . . . . Was going to say, I don't want to make a fuss, but really I DO! :) probably will just go quietly .
The only reason I have got to where I am now (referred for surgery) is because the woman was off for 6 months and her replacement was open to my requests and helpful.
Thanks,
Helen
Fall 2008. Misdiagnosed with lumber spine problem. MRN June 2010 indicated pudendal entrapment at Alcocks canal. Diagnosed with complex variant piriformis syndrome with sciatic, pudendal and gluteal entrapment's by Dr Filler 2010.Guided piriformis botox injection 2011 Bristol. 2013, Nerve conduction test positive; new spinal MRI scan negative, so diagnosed for the 4th time with pelvic nerve entrapment, now recognised as Sciatic, pudendal, PFCN and cluneal nerves at piriformis level.
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ezer
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Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by ezer »

I found Lyrica to be less sedating than Neurontin. They were both completely ineffective in my case however.
In the US, some insurance companies or plans will not pay for Lyrica (Blue Shield would not pay in my case). I think the Lyrica patent expires in 2 or 3 years and then it should become much more affordable.
2002 PN pain started following a fall on a wet marble floor
2004 Headache in the pelvis clinic. Diagnosed with PNE by Drs. Jerome Weiss, Stephen Mann, and Rodney Anderson
2004-2007 PT, Botox, diagnosed with PNE by Dr. Sheldon Jordan
2010 MRN and 3T MRI showing PNE. Diagnosed with PNE by Dr. Aaron Filler. 2 failed PNE surgeries.
2011-2012 Horrific PN pain.
2013 Experimented with various Mind-body modalities
3/2014 Significantly better
11/2014 Cured. No pain whatsoever since
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helenlegs 11
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Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:39 am
Location: North East England

Re: Gabapentin v Lyrica

Post by helenlegs 11 »

ezer wrote: I think the Lyrica patent expires in 2 or 3 years and then it should become much more affordable.
Oh I will be all better by then ezer :D
Hope we all will.
Helen
Fall 2008. Misdiagnosed with lumber spine problem. MRN June 2010 indicated pudendal entrapment at Alcocks canal. Diagnosed with complex variant piriformis syndrome with sciatic, pudendal and gluteal entrapment's by Dr Filler 2010.Guided piriformis botox injection 2011 Bristol. 2013, Nerve conduction test positive; new spinal MRI scan negative, so diagnosed for the 4th time with pelvic nerve entrapment, now recognised as Sciatic, pudendal, PFCN and cluneal nerves at piriformis level.
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