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Compare Neurontin vs. Tramadol

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip, Qdolo) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic medication used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, while Tramadol is an opioid used for pain relief when non-opioid medications aren't effective. Gabapentin is typically taken three times a day and is available in generic forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. In contrast, Tramadol can be taken as immediate-release or extended-release forms, with the latter taken once daily. Tramadol has a higher risk of misuse and dependency compared to Gabapentin, and it is a controlled substance under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and sleepiness, while Tramadol can lead to constipation, nausea, and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Both medications require careful monitoring, but Tramadol has stricter regulations due to its opioid nature.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Tramadol
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Tramadol

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    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 Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    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 Opioid
    Pros
    •Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
    •Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
    •Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids
    Cons
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (up to 46%)
    •Nausea (up to 40%)
    •Dizziness (up to 33%)
    •Headache (up to 32%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 25%)
    •Vomiting (up to 17%)

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    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
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Tramadol

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Tramadol

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