What is "pregabalin vs gabapentin?

Pregabalin vs. Gabapentin: A Comparison

Both pregabalin and gabapentin are anticonvulsant medications also used to treat nerve pain. They are structurally similar but have distinct differences.

Mechanism of Action:

• Both drugs bind to the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding reduces the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P, which are involved in pain and seizure activity. See more about Mechanism%20of%20Action.

Bioavailability and Absorption:

• Pregabalin: Has a more predictable and linear bioavailability. Absorption is generally not affected by food.
• Gabapentin: Has a saturable absorption process, meaning that as the dose increases, the proportion of the drug absorbed decreases. Food can increase the rate and extent of absorption of gabapentin. See more about Bioavailability and Absorption.

Potency:

• Pregabalin is generally considered to be more potent than gabapentin. This means that a lower dose of pregabalin is needed to achieve the same effect as a higher dose of gabapentin.

Indications:

• Pregabalin: Approved for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures.
• Gabapentin: Approved for postherpetic neuralgia and partial-onset seizures. It is also used off-label for a variety of conditions, including neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome, and anxiety. See more about Indications.

Dosage:

• Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Pregabalin typically requires lower daily doses compared to Gabapentin. See more about Dosage.

Side Effects:

• Common side effects for both drugs include dizziness, somnolence (drowsiness), peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities), weight gain, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
• Pregabalin may be more likely to cause euphoria compared to gabapentin.

Drug Interactions:

• Both drugs have relatively few drug interactions, but caution should be exercised when co-administering with other CNS depressants due to the potential for additive effects. See more about Drug%20Interactions.

Abuse Potential:

• Both drugs have the potential for misuse and abuse, but pregabalin is considered to have a higher abuse potential than gabapentin, possibly due to its more rapid onset of action and euphoric effects. See more about Abuse%20Potential.

Cost:

• The cost of pregabalin and gabapentin can vary depending on the formulation, dosage, and insurance coverage. Gabapentin is typically available as a generic medication, making it generally less expensive than brand-name or generic pregabalin. See more about Cost.

Summary Table:

Feature	Pregabalin	Gabapentin
Bioavailability	Linear, predictable	Saturable, variable
Potency	Higher	Lower
Abuse Potential	Higher	Lower
Euphoria	More likely	Less likely
Cost	Generally more expensive	Generally less expensive
Approved Uses	Neuropathic pain, Fibromyalgia, Seizures	Postherpetic Neuralgia, Seizures