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Compare Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both medications that can help with pain, but they work in different ways and treat different types of pain. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle spasms and discomfort, while gabapentin is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Cyclobenzaprine is available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules, and it is typically taken up to three times a day. Gabapentin is available as tablets, capsules, and liquid, and is usually taken three times a day. Cyclobenzaprine is not a controlled substance, but gabapentin is controlled in some states due to potential misuse. Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include drowsiness and dry mouth, while gabapentin often causes dizziness and sleepiness. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with antidepressants and cause serotonin syndrome, whereas gabapentin can interact with medications like benzodiazepines and opioids, increasing the risk of slow breathing.

  • Cyclobenzaprine
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Cyclobenzaprine
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that helps relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used short term with rest and physical therapy. Immediate-release tablets are for people 15 years and older and are taken a few times a day. Once sold under the brand name Flexeril, the tablets now as a generic and brand name Fexmid. Extended-release capsules are for adults only and are taken once a day. The capsules comes as a generic and brand name Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy and have dry mouth as side effects.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Gabapentin, also known by its brand name Neurontin, is used to treat nerve pain from shingles in adults. This medication can also help treat partial (focal) seizures in adults and children. Gabapentin (Neurontin) comes as pills and a liquid that you take by mouth. The dosage depends on things like what you're treating, how old you are, and how well the medication is working. In general, you take it 3 times a day. Common side effects include making you feel dizzy and sleepy.

  • Indications of Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as short-acting and long-acting forms for flexible dosing schedules
    •Can help with recovery from acute painful muscle problems in a few days
    Cons
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time)
    •Might not be a safe option for older adults
    •Not known to work well for nerve pain or muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •An option for relieving nerve pain caused by shingles
    •Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people 3 years and older
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Usually need to taken three times per day
    •Can cause dizziness and sleepiness
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast

  • Common Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Drowsiness (39%)
    •Dry mouth (27%)
    •Dizziness (11%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with glaucoma or trouble urinating
    •Caution use in people with liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Sleepiness, dizziness, and trouble concentrating
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Higher risk of seizures and other side effects if you stop the medication too suddenly or too fast
    •Dangerously slowed breathing
    •Changes in behavior in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Cyclobenzaprine vs. Gabapentin

    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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