Diabetes Forum - Spinal fusion surgey - Neurontin and Lyrica for nerve and back p

Conditions and Diseases > Diabetes Forum > Spinal fusion surgey - Neurontin and Lyrica for nerve and back p

TOPICS DOCTOR QUESTIONS

What is diabetes?

What is diabetes and what causes diabetes? Start here for basic facts about type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. ...

Q: Spinal fusion surgey - Neurontin and Lyrica for nerve and back p

asked by: DoctorQuestion on August 31st, 2007

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.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on November 28th, 2007

Diabetes Answer A3344

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.

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Diabetes , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc