Pregabalin versus Gabapentin

[Katyparis]

After coming off Pramipexole / dopamine after 20 years I am now in 250mg Pregabalin plus 4mg Targin. Does anyone have a medical answer as to what has less side effects out if Pregabalin and Gabapentin? Since starting Pregabalin, I have been less alert, my vision is less acute and I feel forgetful and less motivated. My quality of life is more blurred and I am less active and enthusiastic in general.

[SueJohnson]

You might want to try switching to gabapentin. Although they are basically the same drug except you need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other. Take 600 mg 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, then 600 mg 4 hours before bedtime, as it is not well absorbed above 600 mg. If you take magnesium, even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of the gabapentin as it reduces the absorption of the gabapentin. If you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

[Joolsg]

There isn't an answer. We all respond differently to them. I've been on both.For me, pregabalin had fewer side effects, but I still had double vision and felt 'over sedated' and dizzy. The side effects of both settle after around 2 to 3 months, so stick with pregabalin for now.

Also, bear in mind you've been on a brain altering chemical for 20 years, flooding your brain with dopamine, a feel good chemical. That's been stopped. Most people experience low mood or depression for quite some time after stopping dopamine agonists.

I've never heard of a 4mg Targinact pill. Are you taking 40mg Targinact a day? Together with 250mg pregabalin, that's on the high side.

How is your RLS? You might try reducing the pregabalin by 25mg every few days to see if it reduces the 'spaced out' feeling but still controls the RLS.