I switched to Lyrica because of the side effects of Neurontin. I was not taking anything for pain at the time. Lyrica has the same side effects but to a lessor degree which for me, wasn't all that different. Both caused an inability to concentrate. Both took away previous desires and passion (no I'm not talking about sex). Both took away short term memory. Neurontin caused the weirdest dreams. Both handled my nerve pain at the source.
I traded pain for getting back the above. I'm artistic and this release was/is my sanity. I'm happier since giving it up but definitely have more discomfort, sometimes (like now) outright pain. I now have pain pills and muscle relaxers which were unnecessary while on Lyrica but I'm me again. I'm writing and painting again.
There are times when I second guess myself but I can deal with the pain, I can't cope without my artistic release.
So, from my own personal experience, both N & L rob you of mind, those things that make you you. Having said this, age also robs you of you. When these drugs finally left my system, I discovered my short term memory was only slightly better
However, depending on the amount of pain you may experience and/or your own personal priorities, this is a personal decision (please discuss your options with your doctor(s).
But as good a job as these drugs do in controlling nerve pain, make no mistake, they take a little or a lot of you with it.