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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 (Neurontin) is a medication approved to treat certain seizures and nerve pain. It's typically taken 3 times daily by mouth, and is available as pills and a liquid. Common side effects include dizziness and sleepiness.

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used to treat depression, anxiety, and some forms of long-term pain. This medication is an antidepressant that's called an SNRI or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The dosage is typically one capsule by mouth once daily (or twice daily for some people with depression). Side effects can include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. If you need to stop the medication for any reason, your prescriber will lower your dose slowly over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles in adults
    •Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder in adults
    •Generalized anxiety disorder in people age 7 years and older
    •Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
    •Fibromyalgia in people age 13 years and older
    •Long-term pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well for seizures and nerve pain
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Dose can be adjusted based on response
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to serious problems, such as seizures
    •Can raise your risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Commonly causes dizziness
    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat several conditions, so might be good for people with multiple conditions
    •Helps lower nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of long-term pain
    •Can take at any time of day (as long as you're consistent)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks before you feel the full effects of the medication on your mood
    •Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people 24 years and younger
    •Might raise your risk of bleeding

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)
    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 and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating, extreme sleepiness, and dizziness
    •Withdrawal problems
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Brain and mental health side effects in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Liver damage
    •Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Mania
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Duloxetine

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