Lyrica versus Gabapentin

[Hate to Feel]

I just received a phone call from my healthcare provider stating that they will no longer cover my Lyrica because it is a tier 3 drug and there are cheaper alternatives available; specifically Gabapentin.

I was just curious if anyone has any information regarding the difference(s) between Lyrica and Gabapentin? Is one better than the other? Any noticable differences between the two?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[pasha]

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is the more potent version/successor of Gabapentin. Pregabalin has a slightly altered mechanism-of-action and a steady bioavailability at 90% while gabapentin has less than half of that in some studies. Gabapentin also has an unpredictable bioavailability, changing depending on food, frequency of dosing, dosage amount, and metabolism, while pregabalin maintains itself at a steady 90%.

So to sum it up gabapentin is pretty much the watered down version of pregabalin. If you're used to the pregabalin delivering the goods, chances are you're going to be slightly disappointed with gabapentin even at an equipotent dosage.

 

[bloodshed344]

Pregabalin actually gets you high unlike gabapentin. Gabapentin causes dangerous narcolepsy in my friend. Gabapentin causes cancer in rights.

Pregabalin is probably not that healthy either but it least it has a smaller dose and stronger effects and less side effects. Gabapentin is just a bitch drug, the cancer risk is probably overstated and may not even apply to humans so just go based on your heart. Id take it as little as possible, same for pregabalin actually

 

[Toz]

It is my oppinion that gabapentin is a horrible medicine to be on because of the varying bioavailability, it would put me in withdrawals during the day at random times due to this and I could never seem to keep a steady amount in me for long before I needed to take more pills, and the time a single dose would keep me going varied alot.

Pregabalin is more euphoric than gabapentin, in terms of painkilling effect they are the same to me.

 

[Hate to Feel]

It kinda pisses me off that my insurance won't cover the Lyrica any longer. I've really started to grow partial to how it helps with my pain and anxiety. Considering what I pay in healthcare premiums only adds salt to the wound.

They said that the Gabapentin only has a <no price discussion>co/pay. If I want to stick with the Lyrica, I can go through a mail order pharmacy and pay <no price discussion> for a 90 day-supply. Knowing what some of you know who have experienced both drugs, would you pay the inflated rate for the 90 day supply or give the gabapentin a try?

 

[pasha]

No price discussion please as it's against the forum rules.

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As for your question, I wouldn't go splurging the cash without at least giving the gabapentin a try at least. Especially if your insurance is paying for it, you really don't have much to loose by giving it a try.