Gabapentin vs. Percocet: Differences, Uses, Safety, and Which Is Better for Pain

Pain management has never been as simple as just prescribing a generic medication.

Comparing two common medications like gabapentin and Percocet is an excellent example of this. Although both drugs are primarily utilized to treat various types of pain, each works differently and has different indications. 

Understanding the differences between these medications is important because it may help patients that suffer from chronic medical issues or those undergoing surgical recovery to be able to understand their treatment options better. This article compares gabapentin and Percocet by looking at how these medications differ in terms of their use, effectiveness, side effects, safety, risk associated with using them simultaneously, and addiction potential.

Gabapentin vs. Percocet at a Glance

What Are the Differences Between Gabapentin and Percocet?

Different Classes of Drugs

Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that changes how certain nerve signals are sent, which can help with nerve-related pain.[1]

Percocet is made up of a combination of two drugs: oxycodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen. Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors located in the brain and spinal column to reduce pain perception.[2]

How They Act Differently in Treating Pain

Think of nerve pain as faulty wiring that sends incorrect signals telling your brain something is wrong, even when there is no actual injury. In contrast, pain from an acute injury is like a red alert signal that tells you there is real physical damage, such as a fracture or laceration.

Gabapentin works by helping “turn off” the faulty wiring so those incorrect pain signals are no longer sent.[3] On the other hand, Percocet reduces our perception of how much damage there is physically to our bodies and may make us less aware of our pain.[4]

Since both of these types of medications address different causes of pain, one may be more effective at addressing the source of the patient’s pain than the other.

What Conditions Are Gabapentin and Percocet Prescribed to Treat?

Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that lingers after shingles)
• Fibromyalgia (off-label)
• Restless legs syndrome (used off-label)
• Partial seizures

Percocet is commonly prescribed for:

• Surgical pain
• Broken bones
• Dental pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Severe short-term injuries
• Pain that has not responded to non-opioid treatments

Which Is Better Suited for Chronic Nerve Pain?

Opioids (such as Percocet) usually do not do well at relieving chronic nerve pain. Opioid drugs suppress pain signals, but do not address the altered function of the nerves causing neuropathic pain.[5] In contrast, gabapentin works by decreasing the excitability of those overactive nerves and tends to be more successful at eliminating the burning, tingling or stabbing sensation associated with nerve pain.

In some instances, when gabapentin is prescribed, a physician will provide temporary coverage with an opioid like Percocet until gabapentin has time to have a significant impact. This can take anywhere from days to weeks. In other scenarios, a patient’s nerve damage pain could be mixed with physical trauma injuries; in these cases, there would be no perfect treatment solution, and further treatment options would likely need to be explored.

Can You Take Gabapentin With Percocet?

Gabapentin and Percocet are often prescribed together for treating pain by affecting separate routes in the body.[6] A doctor may prescribe both if:

• You are recovering from spine surgery
• You have severe neuropathic pain
• You have cancer-related pain
• You suffer with complex pain

Benefits

• Overall better pain relief
• Possible reduction in your opioid dosage
• Ability to affect pain through more than one route

Risks

• Excessive drowsiness
• Risk of respiratory depression 
• Risk of falling due to dizziness
• Disorientation
• Driving impaired

Do not take gabapentin and Percocet without first consulting a physician. Both drugs can affect the central nervous system, and combining them will significantly increase the risk of a fatal overdose.[7]

Side Effects of Gabapentin vs. Percocet

Many of these effects, such as dizziness or mild nausea, tend to improve as the body adjusts to a medication. Others require prompt medical attention, particularly slowed or labored breathing, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction, all of which warrant a call to a healthcare provider right away.

Is There a Greater Risk of Addiction to Gabapentin or Percocet?

Gabapentin is not federally scheduled, but it does carry a risk of misuse.[8] The possibility of abuse is increased when gabapentin is used with other prescription drugs, including opioids. Long-term use or use at excessive dose levels can lead to physical dependence. 

Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance since it is an opioid and carries a much higher potential for misuse, dependence, and overdose.[9]

Can You Switch Between Gabapentin and Percocet?

You cannot substitute gabapentin with Percocet at the same dosage.

Only a physician can determine whether switching between these medications is appropriate and prescribe a safe dose based on your condition, current medications, and medical history.  

The amount of time that it takes to stop taking each drug may vary, and if you stop taking either drug too quickly, this could lead to problems. Stopping gabapentin immediately after taking it for an extended period of time could result in withdrawal symptoms or even seizures.[10]

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or a loved one experience:

• Trouble breathing
• Severe drowsiness that is difficult to wake from
• Confusion
• Signs of an allergic reaction
• Loss of consciousness
• Any symptoms of overdose

Navigating Pain Treatment Safely: What Matters Most

The goals of gabapentin and Percocet are to reduce two very different forms of pain. Since they have different goals, one is not inherently “better” than the other. Gabapentin is typically used for nerve pain, while Percocet is primarily used to provide relief for moderate to severe acute pain. 

Both gabapentin and Percocet can also pose serious health risks if taken improperly, especially when used together. If you are experiencing concerns over opioid dependency or abuse, help is available, and all it takes is one phone call.

Reach out to Aura Recovery. Our compassionate admissions team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you take your first step.