United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Yes, Lyrica is often more effective than Neurontin. They do the same thing, but no one really knows how either drug works on pain.

It might be worth mentioning to your MD about trying it instead of Neurontin. It can a few weeks to switch over and while switching over and getting to the optimal dose for you, you may feel an increase of pain (until you get to the right dose).

Neurontin has a side effect of maiing you very tired, less able to concentrate, memory loss (like words, not like amnesia). Lyrica can do this too, but most people have found that it does not or does it to a much lesser degree.

Marieke (31, LOBPI)

I took Nuronten for the first 5 months after my accident then switched to lyrica. I found that a lower dose of lyrica (150mg 2x per day) controls my pain much better than nuronten (300 mg 3x per day)

Joel
TRBPI 26

I have a bulging disc that was causing major tingling, numbness & pain in my right arm & shoulder blade. My sleeping was affected and I was ready to have a pain block, after having been on generic Neurontin for quite a while. My nerve doctor suggested that I try Lyrica. Within a few days my symptoms started to lessen and after one week, there was significant improvement. I canceled the block and am feeling almost normal. I did have dizziness at first, and am very sleepy during the day, but I am working full time. I am weaning my self off the Neurontin, but just wondered what symptoms others on Lyrica may have had.

You may feel sleepy and dizzy too from the Lyrica but that will wear off as your body adjusts. It can take 2-3 weeks though.

Also some people gain weight on Lyrica. Some have swelling in their lower limbs as well. If this happens (the swelling) make sure your MD knows.

Marieke RN
33, LOBPI

(I take Lyrica, 450mg a day due to a spinal cord injury not related to my OBPI.)

I gained weight and stopped taking it! My appetite went through the roof and I did not need it!!

Best of luck!!

Courtney