Pharmacist Contacts:
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[email protected] Lyrica Gabapentin: An Easy Switch! Conversion between Lyrica and gabapentin is generally Daily Dose of Daily Dose of Shingrix well tolerated and direct switching minimizes potential for Gabapentin Lyrica Reactogenicity gaps in pain relief. In the absence of seizure history, the (mg/day) (mg/day) drugs can be directly interchanged; patients can be advised 0 – 300 50 to discontinue Lyrica and begin gabapentin the following When giving Shingrix, day. Patients with a seizure history should be cross-tapered 301 – 450 75 counsel patients about over 1 – 4 weeks. 451 – 600 100 expected reactions. 601 – 900 150 While cross-tolerance is expected, patients should be 901 – 1200 200 advised adverse effects such as drowsiness or edema may There is a 10% chance of 1201 – 1500 250 still emerge when therapy is changed but tend to decrease developing a grade 3 1501 – 1800 300 injection site reaction with time. A conservative approach may be useful to 1801 – 2100 350 and/or systemic mitigate adverse effects. reactions (see table 2101 – 2400 400 Titration of gabapentin to the maximum tolerated 2401 – 2700 450 below) – these symptoms therapeutic dose is important. The therapeutic dosing 2701 – 3000 500 were significant enough range in neuropathic pain trials is 1800-3600 mg/day to prevent regular (normal renal function). The pharmacokinetics of 3001 – 3600 600 activities in about 17% of gabapentin require regular dosing, it will not work if clinical trial patients, but dosed “as needed.” Studies show minimal benefit & tend to pass within 2-3 more adverse effects when high days.