Neurontin vs. Prolixin for Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

Get free coupons

Fluphenazine

Get free coupons

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

Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

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 Prolixin

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 for Prolixin

Psychotic disorders

Pros and Cons for Prolixin

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 for Prolixin

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