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Compare Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different classes. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain, while Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). Gabapentin is typically taken three times daily and is available in generic form, whereas Olanzapine is usually taken once daily and is also available as a generic. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and sleepiness, while Olanzapine commonly leads to sleepiness, weight gain, and can affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Additionally, Gabapentin has a risk of misuse in some states, making it a controlled substance in those areas, whereas Olanzapine is not a controlled substance. Both medications can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, but they work in different ways to manage their respective conditions.

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

  • Summary of Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    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 Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.

  • Indications of Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles in adults
    •Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

    When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

    •Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
    •Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

  • Pros and Cons of Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    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 Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth
    •Can affect your sleep
    •More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics

  • Common Side Effects of Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (12%)
    •Accidental injury (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Weakness (10%)
    •Dry mouth (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Upset stomach (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)

  • Warnings of Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Severe allergic skin reactions
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Anticholinergic side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Neurontin vs. Zyprexa

    Learn more about Gabapentin
    Learn more about Olanzapine

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