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Compare Norco vs. Neurontin

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

Key takeaways

Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both used to manage pain, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of pain. Norco is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an analgesic (acetaminophen) and is used for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. It works quickly, within about 30 minutes, but has a high risk of misuse and dependency, making it a controlled substance. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. Gabapentin, on the other hand, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain and certain seizures. It is typically taken three times a day and can take up to a month to feel its full effects. Gabapentin is not federally classified as a controlled substance, but some states do monitor its use due to potential misuse. Common side effects include dizziness and sleepiness. Norco is available only in generic form; gabapentin is also available as a lower-cost generic and in different formulations, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.

  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Norco vs. Neurontin

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Norco is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who've tried non-opioid medications but haven't gotten enough relief. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to start working. Side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. It's also a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

    Please note: The brand name Norco is no longer available in the United States, but there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets on the market.

    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.

  • Indications of Norco vs. Neurontin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Norco vs. Neurontin

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Norco vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Norco vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Norco vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Norco
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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