Pregabalin vs. gabapentin

[Whippetmama]

I think that I should switch from gabapentin to pregabalin.

I have been taking gabapentin for about 25 years. It was originally prescribed for nerve pain, control of RLS is a side benefit. I currently take 1800 mgs but it is a royal pain to remember to take those afternoon 600 mgs.

Am I correct that pregabalin can be taken in one dose?

What would be the pregabalin equivalent to 1800 mgs of gabapentin? And can I make the switch without weaning myself off gabapentin even if I have been taking it for so long?

Thanks.

[SueJohnson]

Yes it can be taken in 1 dose and yes you can switch without weaning off. The equivalent dose is 300 mg pregabalin.

[Whippetmama in reply to SueJohnson]

When would you advise taking it? Morning or before bed or any time in between? My RLS usually kicks into gear late afternoon, although I do wake up with it, now and then. (But once I go outside for a while, it goes away).

[SueJohnson in reply to Whippetmama]

It is normally taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and I would take it then since you are able to go outside and your RLS goes away.

[Whippetmama in reply to SueJohnson]

Yes. When I go outside into daylight.

[martino]

I did the switch from 2400 Gabapentin to 400 Pregabelin with no trouble. I increased the dose and now take 300 in the morning and another 300 at night

[Hidden]

Good afternoon, Whippetmama,

I'll defer to comments made by others regarding drug equivalence of gabapentin and pregabalin. My comment instead is to recommend that you coordinate closely with your health care provider as you make the switch and that, subject to their approval, that a conservative approach be taken as you titrate the doses of both gabapentin and pregabalin

I first took Neurontin about 25 years ago, when it was a Brand-name only medicine for gabapentin. Though it worked, I soon stopped using it due to side-effects (primarily memory loss and dry mouth). Just recently, however, I began taking pregabalin for RLS. Significantly, the pregabalin was prescribed for me on two different occasions, by two different physicians. For various reasons, the first occasion was not successful; the second one was.

Though I did not switch directly from Neurontin to pregabalin, I experienced potentially life-threatening side-effects on the first occasion that pregabalin had been prescribed for me. Significantly, I had not experienced any of these side-effects with Neurontin.

The side-effects that I experienced on the first occasion that pregabalin had been prescribed for me included: balance issues; blurred vision; proclivity toward accidents; unexpected somnolence (falling asleep); and among other things, disruption of the sleep/wake cycle.

On the second occasion for which pregabalin was prescribed for me, fewer side-effects were experienced and, with the exception of "extreme dry mouth," the symptoms did not long endure. The difference? On the first occasion, the "sleep expert" neurologist had prescribed: a starting dose that was too high, a titration schedule that was too rapid, and a final dosage that contained more pregabalin than was necessary and appropriate.

Minor differences in individual circumstances may affect the equivalence between Neurontin and pregabalin, the initial starting dose, the titration timetable, and the final dosage that is necessary and appropriate for your condition. Only last month did I learn that, in the case of a "senior citizen" suffering with RLS, the initial starting dose is 50 mg of pregabalin rather than 75 mg for other healthy adults.

Be well.

[Simkin]

I would also STRONGLY RECOMMEND you speak FIRST to your doctor.I can tolerate gabapentin but something in pregablin disagreed with me and I ended up in A & E.

I also hope your doctor recommends you start on a LOW dose.

I am sure I was put on too high a dose to start with.

Our hospital recommends you start pregablin on a

"Very low dose to start with but gradually increase as recommended by your doctor or neurologist.

[WideBody]

I did the switch from gabapentin to pregabalin. Pregabalin was more consistent and I only had to take it once 1-2 hours before bed.

[lass]

hi be careful on how you change from one to the other. I was on Gabapentin for quite a few years ,my hair was getting quite thin which is one of the side affects of Gabapentin. When next I had a appointment with my Neurologist I explained this to him and he recommended me to try Pregabalin which I did it took 12 weeks for the change over to be completed my Neurologist sent instructions to my G P how to cancel out the Gabapentin slowly and to introduce the Pregabalin gradually.So my advice to you is not to mess with strong medications as the above check with your Neurologist or GP before changing anything . Ho by the way I am now on 175mg Morning & Evening a lot smaller dose than the Gabapentin

[Nanpat]

I would definitely do it slowly and under doctors supervision.

The first night I took 25mg I wet the bed……at 60 yo

My increase to 50 was ok, but at 75 I felt like I had drunk a bottle of whiskey and could barely stand up. I have not increased again though I probably need to

Good luck

[Whippetmama]

I made the switch yesterday. I took 150 about 3 pm, another about 7 (when my legs began dancing) and another before bed. Slept the night through - something I could not do on gabapentin. No adverse reactions. Just a smooth, peaceful change. Thank you Sue, for your guidance. And to those concerned about my welfare, my situation in Mexico is a bit out of the ordinary, but thanks.

[SueJohnson in reply to Whippetmama]

That's great !