Health Organization for Pudendal Education

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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
Hope we all will.
Helen