Methocarbamol vs. Gabapentin for Musculoskeletal Conditions and Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Gabapentin

(Neurontin)

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Summary for Methocarbamol

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.

Indications for Methocarbamol

Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only

Pros and Cons for Methocarbamol

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

Common Side Effects for Methocarbamol

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Blurry vision
Headache
Nausea
Upset stomach

Warnings for Methocarbamol

Effect on driving and concentration
Interactions with other medications

Summary for Gabapentin

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 for Gabapentin

Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

Pros and Cons for Gabapentin

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 for Gabapentin

Sleepiness (19%)
Dizziness (17%)
Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
Fatigue (11%)

Warnings for Gabapentin

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