Lyrica vs. gabapentin: Differences and similarities explained

In this article:

• Key differences
• Lyrica, pregabalin, and gabapentin dosage comparison
• Conditions treated
• Is Lyrica better than gabapentin?
• Coverage and cost comparison
• Common side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings
• Can you take Lyrica and gabapentin together?
• How to switch from gabapentin to Lyrica (pregabalin)
• FAQs

In this article

• Key differences
• Lyrica, pregabalin, and gabapentin dosage comparison
• Conditions treated
• Is Lyrica better than gabapentin?
• Coverage and cost comparison
• Common side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings
• Can you take Lyrica and gabapentin together?
• How to switch from gabapentin to Lyrica (pregabalin)
• FAQs

Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin are prescription drugs used to treat nerve pain and partial-onset seizures. Lyrica is a brand-name drug containing pregabalin, while gabapentin is a generic drug known by the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant. They’re both part of a group of drugs called anticonvulsants, or antiepileptic drugs. However, they also have analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties, as they help decrease the release of certain neurotransmitters and slow down nerve signals involved with pain and seizures. Although they’re similar drugs with identical uses, Lyrica and gabapentin differ in several ways. 

Compare Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. gabapentin: Key differences
Differences	Lyrica (pregabalin)	Gabapentin
Drug class	Anticonvulsant	Anticonvulsant
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic version available	Brand and generic version available
What is the generic/brand name?	Brand name: Lyrica Generic name: Pregabalin	Brand name: Neurontin Generic name: Gabapentin
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Capsule Tablet, extended-release Oral solution	Capsule Tablet Tablet, extended-release Oral solution
What is the standard dosage?	50 to 100 mg three times daily	300 to 600 mg three times daily
How long is the typical treatment?	Long-term	Long-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults and children 1 month and older	Adults and children 3 years and older

Lyrica, pregabalin, and gabapentin dosage comparison 

Lyrica is available as a 20 mg/mL oral solution and a 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, or 300 mg oral capsule. Lyrica is also available as an extended-release tablet called Lyrica CR that comes in strengths of 82.5 mg, 165 mg, and 330 mg. 

Generic pregabalin is available in the same forms and strengths: as a 20 mg/mL oral solution and a 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, or 300 mg oral capsule. There is also an extended-release form, pregabalin ER, that comes in the same strengths as brand-name Lyrica CR: 82.5 mg, 165 mg, and 330 mg.

Gabapentin is available as a 100 mg, 300 mg, or 400 mg oral capsule; a 300 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg oral tablet; and a 250 mg/5 mL oral solution. Horizant contains gabapentin enacarbil in a 300 mg or 600 mg extended-release tablet.

Conditions treated by Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin

Lyrica and its generic version, pregabalin, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) pain 
• Spinal cord injury nerve pain
• Pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Partial-onset seizures

Lyrica (pregabalin) is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat restless leg syndrome, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Gabapentin is FDA approved to manage pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults and as an adjunctive therapy (in addition to another medication) to treat partial-onset seizures in patients 3 years and older with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Resources & Coupons

Like Lyrica and pregabalin, gabapentin is also used to treat bipolar disorder, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Compare Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. gabapentin: Conditions treated
Condition	Lyrica	Gabapentin
Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)	Yes	Off-label
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN – pain caused by shingles)	Yes	Yes
Fibromyalgia	Yes	Off-label
Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury	Yes	Off-label
Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures	Yes	Yes
Restless leg syndrome	Off-label	Off-label
Bipolar disorder	Off-label	Off-label
Anxiety	Off-label	Off-label
Insomnia	Off-label	Off-label

Is Lyrica better than gabapentin?

When comparing Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin, which one is better depends on factors like what you’re treating, how quickly you need relief, and how well you tolerate side effects. Lyrica (pregabalin) isn’t necessarily better than gabapentin, but it tends to provide some benefits over gabapentin to certain patients.

When comparing gabapentin versus pregabalin, pregabalin may work more quickly. That’s because pregabalin reaches maximum levels in the blood within 1.5 hours, while gabapentin reaches maximum levels in the blood within two to four hours. 

Pregabalin also has a higher bioavailability than gabapentin. Bioavailability refers to how much of the drug is absorbed into the body unchanged. Pregabalin has a bioavailability of 90% while gabapentin has a bioavailability of 60%. Since pregabalin enters the bloodstream more efficiently, effective therapeutic levels are achieved more quickly than they are for gabapentin. 

Lyrica vs. gabapentin for nerve pain

Both Lyrica and gabapentin are effective options for nerve pain relief. The best option for you will depend on your overall condition, the cost of the drug, and other factors.

Few head-to-head trials compare the effectiveness of Lyrica and gabapentin for their approved uses. One systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant difference between pregabalin and gabapentin for treating nerve pain. The meta-analysis pooled several clinical trials together and showed identical safety profiles and tolerability for both drugs.

Lyrica vs. gabapentin for anxiety and other off-label uses

Since off-label uses of medication aren’t well-studied, it is difficult to say which is better for anxiety and other non-FDA-approved uses. 

When it comes to anxiety, Lyrica (pregabalin) is more studied than gabapentin. Still, healthcare providers may instead prescribe gabapentin for anxiety along with psychotherapy and other medications. Gabapentin has been shown to cause fewer side effects than other anxiety medications and works more quickly than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

RELATED: How long does it take for gabapentin to work?

A prescribing healthcare provider will assess your overall condition to determine the best treatment option for you, especially if you are experiencing chronic pain. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Lyrica vs. gabapentin

Lyrica is a brand-name drug that can be expensive with or without insurance. Most Medicare and insurance plans will help cover the cost of the generic version of Lyrica. Without insurance, the average retail price of Lyrica is $713 for 60, 75 mg capsules. A SingleCare coupon for Lyrica can reduce it to $597. Generic pregabalin costs even less with SingleCare, at as low as $11, depending on your choice of pharmacy.    

Gabapentin is a generic drug that is covered by most, if not all, insurance plans. Compared to Lyrica, gabapentin generally costs less. Without insurance, the average retail price of gabapentin is $149 for 90, 300 mg capsules. A SingleCare coupon for gabapentin could help reduce the cash price to $9, depending on your choice of pharmacy. 

Compare Lyrica vs. gabapentin: Coverage and cost
Coverage details	Lyrica	Gabapentin
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes, the generic version is usually covered	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes, the generic version is usually covered	Yes
Quantity	60, 75 mg capsules	90, 300 mg capsules
SingleCare cost	$11	$9

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Dec. 4, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Common side effects of Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. gabapentin

The most common side effects of Lyrica include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, edema, gas (flatulence), and weight gain. The most common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, weakness, and edema. Both medications can also cause an increased risk of infections and eye problems, like blurred or reduced vision.

RELATED: How long does it take for gabapentin side effects to stop?

Compare Lyrica vs. gabapentin side effects
	Lyrica (pregabalin)	Gabapentin
Side effect	Frequency	Frequency
Dizziness	8%	28%
Drowsiness	4%	21%
Dry mouth	3%	5%
Edema	4%	8%
Diarrhea	*	6%
Constipation	4%	4%
Nausea	*	4%
Infection	14%	5%
Blurred or reduced vision	3%	3%
Weakness	4%	6%
Flatulence	3%	*
Shortness of breath	3%	*

*Not reported

Source: DailyMed (Lyrica), DailyMed (Gabapentin)

Lyrica and gabapentin drug interactions

Lyrica and gabapentin are primarily cleared from the body through the kidneys. They both carry a lower risk of drug interactions than other drugs that are heavily processed in the liver. 

Because of how they work, Lyrica and gabapentin can cause CNS side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Taking Lyrica or gabapentin with another drug that has CNS depressant effects can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation. Drugs that have CNS effects include opioids, benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, muscle relaxants, and antipsychotic medications. 

Antacids like Maalox that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide can decrease the bioavailability of gabapentin. It is recommended to wait at least two hours after taking Maalox before taking a dose of gabapentin. 

Compare Lyrica vs. gabapentin drug interactions
Drug	Drug class	Lyrica	Gabapentin
Oxycodone Hydrocodone Morphine	Opioids	Yes	Yes
Lorazepam Diazepam Clonazepam Alprazolam	Benzodiazepines	Yes	Yes
Selegiline  Phenelzine  Rasagiline	Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)	Yes	Yes
Metaxalone Methocarbamol Baclofen	Muscle relaxant	Yes	Yes
Pimozide	Antipsychotic	Yes	Yes
Aluminum hydroxide Magnesium hydroxide	Antacid	No	Yes

This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider about all the medications you may be taking. 

Warnings of Lyrica and gabapentin

It is possible to experience severe sedation and respiratory depression after taking Lyrica or gabapentin. The risk of these adverse events is increased when combining Lyrica or gabapentin with opioids, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants. Severe drowsiness and dizziness may impair a person’s ability to drive and operate machinery. People with a history of depression should be monitored while taking Lyrica or gabapentin due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

The abrupt discontinuation of Lyrica or gabapentin may increase the risk of seizures. These medications should only be stopped with help from a healthcare provider. 

Allergic reactions are possible while taking Lyrica or gabapentin. Seek immediate medical attention if signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction develop, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face and throat. 

Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance that carries a risk of misuse or abuse. Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance. 

Can you take Lyrica and gabapentin together?

You should not take Lyrica and gabapentin together. Combining Lyrica or pregabalin with gabapentin can lead to negative side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and somnolence. They also carry the risk of addiction, marking the importance of careful prescribing. 

How to switch from gabapentin to Lyrica (pregabalin)

If your healthcare provider recommends switching from gabapentin to Lyrica or pregabalin, it is important to follow their specific guidance. Although research indicates that the transition is typically seamless, side effects or recurrence of symptoms may occur if you don’t have enough of either drug in the body or if you have too much. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend immediately stopping gabapentin and starting Lyrica (pregabalin) at the next scheduled dose period. Alternatively, they may recommend taking half of your prescribed gabapentin dosage with half of the desired pregabalin dosage for four days before completely stopping gabapentin and solely taking Lyrica (pregabalin). 

Frequently asked questions about Lyrica vs. gabapentin

Can I use Lyrica or gabapentin while pregnant?

Based on animal data, Lyrica and gabapentin may cause fetal harm. Therefore, it is not generally recommended to take Lyrica or gabapentin while pregnant. 

Can I use Lyrica or gabapentin with alcohol?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Lyrica or gabapentin. Drinking alcohol with Lyrica or mixing alcohol with gabapentin may lead to increased side effects of drowsiness and dizziness.

Can I take gabapentin as needed for nerve pain?

Gabapentin has a short duration of action. It is generally prescribed to be taken three times per day for pain relief. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage based on your response to the drug. If you are not experiencing sufficient pain relief, talk to your healthcare provider, as they may increase the dosage of gabapentin.