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Compare Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, while Duloxetine is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) used to treat depression, anxiety, and various types of long-term pain. Gabapentin is typically taken three times a day, whereas Duloxetine is usually taken once daily. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and it has a risk of misuse in some states, making it a controlled substance in those areas. On the other hand, Duloxetine can cause nausea, headache, and dry mouth, and it is not a controlled substance. Both medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but Duloxetine also carries a risk of liver damage and serotonin syndrome. Both medications are available in generic form.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    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.

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Duloxetine (Cymbalta) helps treat depression and anxiety. It can also help with some types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain from diabetes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Most people take it by mouth once a day, but some with depression might take it twice a day. Side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. When it's time to stop taking the medication, the prescriber will slowly lower your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Depression in adults
    •Generalized anxiety disorder in people ages 7 years and older
    •Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
    •Fibromyalgia in people ages 13 years and older
    •Chronic pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    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
    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Taken once a day for most people
    •Can take at any time of day
    •A first-choice option for depression
    •An option for some types of chronic pain, like nerve pain from diabetes
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks before you feel its full effects
    •Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause nausea or dry mouth
    •Can interact with many medications, including other antidepressants and certain pain relievers

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (23%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Dry mouth (13%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Low appetite (7%)
    •A lot of sweating (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Liver damage
    •Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual problems
    •Not for use alone for bipolar disorder because of the risk of mania
    •Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Duloxetine

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