Lyrica vs Voltaren: side-by-side comparison
Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Voltaren (Diclofenac) both belong to the Pain Relief Medications class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Lyrica | Voltaren |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Pregabalin | Diclofenac |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Novartis |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Pain Relief Medications |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg |
| Forms | capsule, oral solution, extended-release tablet | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository |
What's the same
Lyrica and Voltaren both belong to the Pain Relief Medications class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Pregabalin vs Diclofenac — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Pregabalin vs Diclofenac), strengths (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg vs 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg), forms (capsule, oral solution, extended-release tablet vs tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Lyrica: Pregabalin binds the alpha-2-delta auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing presynaptic calcium influx and the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate… Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
When Lyrica is preferred
Lyrica is approved in adults for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury and other forms of central neuropathic pain (some markets), for generalised anxiety disorder, for fibromyalgia (in the United States and s…
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyrica or Voltaren better? ▾
There is no single answer. Lyrica and Voltaren both belong to the Pain Relief Medications class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Lyrica to Voltaren? ▾
Switching within the Pain Relief Medications class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Lyrica and Voltaren have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Pain Relief Medications class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.