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Compare Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

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

Key takeaways

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both medications that can help with pain, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of pain. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, while gabapentin is an antiepileptic medication used for nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Gabapentin is also used off-label to help treat nerve pain caused by diabetes. Methocarbamol is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day and is available as tablets and an injection (given only by a healthcare professional), whereas gabapentin is typically taken up to 3 times a day and comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid forms. Methocarbamol is not a controlled substance, but gabapentin is controlled in some states due to potential misuse. Common side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness and drowsiness, while gabapentin can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue. Both medications can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness.

  • Methocarbamol
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Methocarbamol
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, like back pain, in people ages 16 years and older. It works best when used along with non-medication treatments, such as rest and physical therapy. Methocarbamol is taken by mouth, typically 3 or 4 times daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles or through the veins, typically in a hospital setting. Side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness, drowsiness, and blurry vision.

    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 Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

    Indications for
    •Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
    •Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Less likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other muscle relaxers
    •Tablets can be cut in half
    Cons
    •Taken 3 to 4 times daily
    •Older adults at higher risk for side effects
    •Not safe to take either some other pain medications, such as opioid medications
    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 Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurry vision
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Upset stomach
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications
    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 Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin

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    Learn more about Gabapentin

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