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Compare Neurontin vs. Imitrex

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Sumatriptan (Imitrex) 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 Sumatriptan is a triptan used to treat migraines. Gabapentin is typically taken three times daily and is available in generic form as pills and a liquid. In contrast, Sumatriptan is taken as a single dose at the onset of a migraine, with the option to take a second dose after two hours if needed, and is also available as a lower-cost generic tablet. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and it has a risk of misuse, leading some states to classify it as a controlled substance. Sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue, and it has serious risks like heart problems and serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with certain other medications. Gabapentin is used for ongoing conditions and requires careful dose adjustments, while Sumatriptan is used for acute migraine relief and has strict limits on how often it can be taken.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    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 Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    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 Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    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
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Imitrex

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Sumatriptan

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