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Compare Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and fluphenazine are both medications that require a prescription, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different conditions. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic medication used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, including off-label use for nerve pain from diabetes. It is typically taken three times a day in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. Common side effects include dizziness and sleepiness. Fluphenazine, on the other hand, is a typical antipsychotic used to treat psychotic disorders. It is available in oral and injectable forms, with the injectable form being long-acting and administered every 4 to 6 weeks. Fluphenazine can cause side effects like drowsiness and movement problems. Unlike gabapentin, fluphenazine is not a controlled substance and does not have a risk of misuse. However, it can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, especially with long-term use. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Fluphenazine
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Fluphenazine

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    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 Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    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 Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs
    Cons
    •Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
    •Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
    •Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Weight changes
    •Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Salivation, drooling
    •More sweating
    •Frequent urination

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Fluphenazine

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

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