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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)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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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

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 Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

  • Sleepiness (29%)
  • Trouble sleeping (12%)
  • Accidental injury (12%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Weakness (10%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Upset stomach (7%)
  • Runny nose (7%)

Warnings for Zyprexa

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Gabapentin60 capsules / 300mg
$10.29$111.22
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Price Card Drug Icon
Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.26$81.16
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