Gabapentin and Pregabalin are likely the same kind of pain relief medications. It is difficult to choose one between these two tablets to cure any kind of pain. While comparing Gabapentin and Pregabalin, sometimes people are confused about the right medication for their desired health issues. Before taking the pain medications, you should acknowledge yourself regarding the medications. Read the entire article to understand the working model, benefits and major side effects associated with the drugs. All the necessary points are briefly evaluated for your comfort while seeking a perfect solution.
Gabapentin vs. Pregabalin: Understanding Your Nerve Pain Medication Options
Pregabalin vs Gabapentin Mechanism of Action
The narcotic painkillers mainly focus on reducing the pain signals within the brain’s nervous system. There are no far and major differences in working mode between Gabapentin and Pregabalin for pain. Pregabalin mainly reduces the percentage of neurotransmitter formation inside the central nervous system that resulting in relief the pain by stopping the pain signals from reaching the brain. And, the basic mechanism of Gabapentin is nearly the same of Pregabalin. As an anticonvulsant, it has the speciality to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy related seizures. Always prefer a health professional to know the core mechanism of action of any medications that you are advised.
Pregabalin or Gabapentin: Usages & Dosage Guidelines
As per the studies, both drugs are usually considered as the first-line option for every individual to cure neuropathic and seizure-related pain. Pregabalin calms the over-reactive nerves to stop the pain signals and, likewise, stabilizes any kind of pain and seizures. On the other hand, Gabapentin is used for seizure pain, postherpetic neuralgia and restless leg syndrome. There is no major difference in Pregabalin and Gabapentin because both medications work on the central nervous system of the brain. After certain medical tests, the doctors advise the right dosage form depending on the patient’s health condition and the root cause of pain.
Which is Better, Gabapentin or Pregabalin?
One can not identify the better one in comparison of two similar kinds of drugs. Both Gabapentin and Pregabalin are opioid medications with different properties. Each of these is formulated with different ingredients. Both are intended for individual health issues and are equally effective. At some point, they differ like Pregabalin shows its effects faster as compared to Gabapentin but in the end, both are highly demanded tablets due to their low side effects and negligible risk factors. Visit a health professional before taking any opioid medicines for better assistance.
Can You Take Pregabalin and Gabapentin Together?
Taking any opioid medication together is not good for health. But you can surely take Pregabalin and Gabapentin for nerve pain at the same time. Taking the neuropathic pills should be done with regular medical observation. In very rare cases, doctors prescribe both of these opioid tablets together to treat major chronic nerve pain. This combination can cause some noticeable side effects, like breathing problems, serious dizziness, skin reactions and slow nerve function. The health experts usually prescribe this combination depending on some factors like age, liver or kidney disorders and previous opioid depressants. Always prefer the low dosage when you consume a combination of two narcotic medications.
Gabapentin vs Pregabalin Side Effects
These painkiller medications are the initial dosages. So in the starting phase very low amount of Gabapentin or Pregabalin tablets is prescribed. As both are nerve-relaxant drugs, several minor to major side effects are associated with the pills. All the adverse effects are listed below.
Gabapentin Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Swelling of hands
- Nausea
- Difficulty speaking
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Skin allergy
- Severe weakness
- Breathing issue
Pregabalin Side Effects
- Constipation
- Angioedema
- Fluid retention
- Muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Uncontrolled weight gain
- Drowsiness
Interactions & Safety Majors to Follow
If anyone is using the neuropathic medications, they must have basic knowledge of the interactions and safety precautions. Gabapentin or Pregabalin for pain needs special care when used to deal with nerve pain. The safety advice protects us from severe health reactions and provides a free way to get faster results. Follow the instructions given below.
- CNS depressants
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Kidney disorders
- Reactions with several allergies
- Regularly monitor the breathing
- Don’t take the pills during breastfeeding or pregnancy
- Other opioid drugs
- Antacids
- Amitriptyline
- Sertraline
Difference Between Gabapentin and Pregabalin
These medications are mainly advised to treat neuropathic and seizure pain. The difference between pregabalin and gabapentin is easy to analyze because both drugs have the same working model. Due to the ingredients used within each medicine, some important differences are absorbed.
- Pregabalin works faster than Gabapentin.
- Though there are so many common side effects noticed, pregabalin is responsible for high weight gain.
- Gabapentin shows its effects slowly, while Pregabalin has a quick onset time.
- If you compare the cost aspect, then Gabapentin is available at an affordable price.
Both are equally effective for any kind of moderate to severe pain relief. Taking a proper health consultation is a best practice before the use of any drug.
Alternatives to Gabapentin and Pregabalin
There are several alternatives to Pregabalin or Gabapentin available in the global market. As they both are nervous-related tablets, they are not suited for everyone. If people consume the narcotic pills without any awareness, it can cause rare health reactions. The important alternatives are listed below.
Gabapentin Alternatives
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Amitriptyline
- Clonazepam
- Valproate
Pregabalin Alternatives
Conclusion
Opioid medications are specially designed for nerve pain. Gabapentin and Pregabalin together are the most preferred drugs due to their high effectiveness and fewer adverse effects. In between these two tablets, Pregabalin is likely faster compared to Gabapentin. Study the entire article to identify the better one for your desired health issue. Every important guideline, including functions, usage, interactions and alternatives, is discussed broadly to help you. Always take the medications exactly as per your medical doctor.
