The real difference between these medications shows up in their strength and how the body uses them. Pregabalin packs more punch, it is 2.4 to 2.8 times stronger than gabapentin. Your body absorbs over 90% of pregabalin while gabapentin absorption rates can vary. Additionally pregabalin acts more quickly reaching its blood peak levels in about an hour. It takes at least three hours for gabapentin to accomplish the same goal. People often ask which drug works better. Research gives us mixed signals.