Phenobarbital vs. Gabapentin for Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Phenobarbital

Gabapentin

(Neurontin)

Summary for Phenobarbital

Prescription only

Phenobarbital treats seizures and is used as a sedative medication. It's a part of the barbiturate drug class. The most common side effect is sleepiness. It's a schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of dependence. This means if you suddenly stop the medication, you could get withdrawal symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or even confusion and disorientation. There are no brand names available anymore, so only generic versions exist.

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Works to control seizures and as also as a sedative
Dose can be adjusted based on your response
Available in lower-cost, generic forms
Available as a tablet and liquid

Cons

Can lead to withdrawal effects if stopped too suddenly
Requires regular blood tests to check appropriate levels to determine the right dose
Carries a risk of dependence
Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Poor balance or coordination

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Dependence and withdrawal
Drowsiness
Extreme excitement
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
Harm to newborn babies

Summary for Gabapentin

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 Gabapentin

Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

Pros and Cons for Gabapentin

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 Gabapentin

Sleepiness (19%)
Dizziness (17%)
Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
Fatigue (11%)

Warnings for Gabapentin

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 Phenobarbital vs. Gabapentin

Phenobarbital60 tablets / 64.8mg

$17.98-

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Gabapentin60 capsules / 300mg

$10.79$111.28

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Phenobarbital vs. Gabapentin

Phenobarbital

Gabapentin

Summary for Phenobarbital

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Summary for Gabapentin

Indications for Gabapentin

Pros and Cons for Gabapentin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Gabapentin

Warnings for Gabapentin

Prices with our coupons for Phenobarbital vs. Gabapentin

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Phenobarbital

Gabapentin

Summary for Phenobarbital

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Summary for Gabapentin

Indications for Gabapentin

Pros and Cons for Gabapentin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Gabapentin

Warnings for Gabapentin