Spinal fusion surgey - Neurontin and Lyrica for nerve and back p Posted: 08-31-07 21:42pm
I had spinal fusion 6 weeks ago. I was
doing so well that I was weaned off the
Neurontin (which I was basically taking
for the nerve pain associated with the
back pain). It was suggested that I try
Lyrica instead of Neurontin if I needed
it. I have been taking the Lyrica 200 mg
three times a day for approx 2 weeks. It
is not helping at all. I had very good
success with the Neurontin in the past.
Do I need to wean off the Lyrica and then
start the Neurontin or can I just stop the
Lyrica and start the Neurontin at the
starting dose of approx 300 mg a day and
then increase it. My regular physican is
gone for the Labor Day weekend.
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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Diabetes Answer A3344 Posted: 11-28-07 10:19am
Both of these drugs - Neurontin
(gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) -
belong to the same category of drugs,
GABA-analogs. Primarily they are used as
anti-epileptic drugs but can also used for
treating neuropathic pain. In your case,
the neuropathic pain you are experiencing
is probably due to spondylosis and
diabetes. Lyrica is a newer medicine than
Neurontin and should be more efficient.
That is not happening in your case so you
can return to your first medicine under
the supervision of your prescribing
doctor.
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