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Neurontin vs. Desipramine

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Desipramine (Norpramin) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, while Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression. Gabapentin is typically taken three times a day and is available in generic form as pills and a liquid. In contrast, Desipramine is usually taken once a day and also comes in a generic form. Gabapentin has a risk of misuse, leading some states to classify it as a controlled substance. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and weight gain. Both medications can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, but Desipramine is not a first-choice treatment for depression due to its side effects.

Gabapentin

(Neurontin)

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Desipramine

(Norpramin)

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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 Desipramine

Prescription only

Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

Indications for Desipramine

Pros and Cons for Desipramine

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
  • Can be taken just once a day

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desipramine

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

Warnings for Desipramine

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
  • Glaucoma
  • Higher risk of falls
  • Seizures

Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Desipramine

Price Card Drug Icon
Gabapentin60 capsules / 300mg
$11.15$21.34
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Desipramine90 tablets / 10mg
$18.93$109.92
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