Hi All Just wanted peoples thoughts on these two drugs!! My nurse think it would be a good idea for me to start taking one as my nerve pain in my legs is becoming a nightmare! I have opted for pregabalin as I hear that gabapentin can make you gain weight and Im getting married in September I cant afford to put weight on! Any thoughts would be appreciated xx
I’ve been on pregabalin for a number of years, was given Gabapentin first but had terrible swollen ankles whilst taking it and was changed to pregabalin. I. take the maximum dose of 600 mg per day. I haven’t put weight on, but there are many on the site who have. I don’t believe a tablet I. Itself will make you gain weight, it makes you feel well and you reach for those foods that are more likely to put weight on, eg chocolate versus carrot stick lol. Anyway this is what my gp always said to me whether it be pregabalin or steroids I was on.
Hiya.
Both of these drugs are ‘sister’ drugs. Pregabalin is newer and more potent.
I tried Pregabalin in 2002 at a low dose 25mg x2 then up from there. Gave me headaches, weak legs for a couple of weeks and consitpation - but that might have been not drinking enough fluid as these drugs seem to dry me out.
I’m currently giving Gabapentin ago. Again at a low dose and it has taken me a couple of months to get my body to adjust (still adjusting) to the side effects. The main ones for me are: bloated feeling, nausea, weak legs and lack of appetite.
I have never had a problem with putting on weight - in fact I have lost weight while being on Gabapentin.
Every drug is different for everyone, though. Suck it and see with these sweeties I’m afraid. But they do need time.
Marty
Thanks both. At least if one doesnt suit me I know I can try the other one. Picking drugs is so difficult as I guess they effect everyone differently. Thanks for the advise guys xx
Hi, i have neuropathic pain and took Gabapentin but it made me sick and dizzy. Ive been on pregabalin now for two years and it has had a miraculous effect on my pain. No side effects after the first few weeks when i felt tired. I now take 600mg a day. You are right that different drugs suit different people. I also take Baclofen and amatryptaline for pain, so there are lots of different combinations to try. I hope you find something to ease your pain : ) Penny
Hi, I began on pregabalin last September. I was given 75mg twice a day. I had a lot of dizziness, so the dose was reduced to 25mg twice a day. I slowly increased the dose to 75mg twice a day.
The reason I asked for a nerve pain killer was in an effort to relieve me of the severe pain in my heels in bed, although they are often tight in the day too.
Well the pain did reduce but not fully, so I am now on 75mg three times a day. There is no difference in the amount of pain relief. I think they work about 50%. They dont cause me any side effects now.
I know pregabalin can be given at higher doses, so it looks like another telephone appointment with my GP is due.
I have never tried gabapentin.
I hope you find relief when you get onto which ever med you try.
pollx
Thank you. Iv gone for pregabalin. Although i think i could do with a tablet for my memory too it seems to be getting worse by the day 
xx