Is pregabalin better than gabapentin in treatment of neuropathic pain? An observation-based study at tertiary care centre of North India

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of pregabalin and gabapentin in treatment of neuropathic pain at a government tertiary care hospital of Uttar Pradesh, India. Due to indiscriminate use of drugs for treatment of neuropathic pain, selection of an effective drug is need of hour. Methods: Out of 130 patients, 62 patients were given pregabalin and 68 were given gabapentin. Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4) which was used to diagnose patients of neuropathic pain. Efficacy of drug was based on their capability to decrease neuropathic pain at regular intervals. Results: On comparing the efficacy of drugs by their ability to decrease neuropathic pain, there was a significant difference when comparing pregabalin and gabapentin, pregabalin being statistically significant than gabapentin. Conclusions: On the basis present study efficacy of pregabalin 300 mg once daily brought better improvement of symptoms and sign than that of gabapentin 600 mg administered once daily dose. So pregabalin is a better drug than gabapentin.