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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)

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Duloxetine

(Cymbalta)

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Summary for Neurontin

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 Neurontin

Pros and Cons for Neurontin

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 Neurontin

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

Warnings for Neurontin

  • 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

Summary for Cymbalta

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 for Cymbalta

Pros and Cons for Cymbalta

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 for Cymbalta

  • 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 for Cymbalta

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Gabapentin60 capsules / 300mg
$11.15$21.88
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Price Card Drug Icon
Duloxetine30 capsules / 60mg
$11.45$32.37
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