Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Neurontin vs. Prolixin

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and fluphenazine (Prolixin) 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 fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic used to treat psychotic disorders. Gabapentin is available in generic form and can be taken as a tablet, capsule, or liquid, typically three times a day. In contrast, fluphenazine is also available in generic form and can be taken as a tablet, liquid, or injection, with the long-acting injection given every 4 to 6 weeks. Gabapentin works by affecting nerve activity, whereas fluphenazine works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain. Common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness and sleepiness, while fluphenazine can cause drowsiness and movement problems. Additionally, gabapentin can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, whereas fluphenazine can lead to serious movement disorders and is not safe for older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

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

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Prolixin

    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 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. Prolixin

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles in adults
    •Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Prolixin

    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 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. Prolixin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)
    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. Prolixin

    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
    •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. Prolixin

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

Compare other Epilepsy drugs

Cogentin vs NeurontinHaldol vs NeurontinLamictal vs NeurontinLidocaine vs NeurontinLyrica vs NeurontinMirapex vs NeurontinNeurontin vs ChlorpromazineNeurontin vs CymbaltaNeurontin vs DepakoteNeurontin vs DesipramineNeurontin vs DilantinNeurontin vs EffexorNeurontin vs FluphenazineNeurontin vs Fluphenazine DecanoateNeurontin vs GeodonNeurontin vs ImitrexNeurontin vs KeppraNeurontin vs PaxilNeurontin vs PerphenazineNeurontin vs PropranololNeurontin vs SeroquelNeurontin vs TramadolNeurontin vs ZoloftNeurontin vs ZyprexaNorco vs NeurontinPamelor vs NeurontinTegretol vs NeurontinTofranil vs NeurontinTopamax vs NeurontinTrileptal vs Neurontin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.