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Compare Neurontin vs. Propranolol

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, while Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used for high blood pressure, chest pain, and migraine prevention, among other conditions. Gabapentin is typically taken three times daily, whereas Propranolol can be taken 1 to 4 times daily depending on whether you use the immediate-release or extended-release form. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Gabapentin include dizziness and sleepiness, while Propranolol often causes dizziness, tiredness, and weakness. Gabapentin can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, whereas Propranolol can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and is not safe for people with asthma. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Propranolol
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Propranolol

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    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 Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    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 Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    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
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Propranolol

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Propranolol

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