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Compare Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

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

Key takeaways

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Carbamazepine is used to treat various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). Gabapentin, on the other hand, is used for nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Carbamazepine works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, while Gabapentin has a structure similar to GABA, a calming brain chemical, though its exact mechanism is not fully understood. Carbamazepine can cause serious side effects like low blood cell counts, whereas Gabapentin can lead to dangerously slow breathing. Both medications can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and you should not stop taking them suddenly without consulting your provider. Gabapentin is available as a lower-cost generic, while Carbamazepine also comes in various generic forms and dosage options.

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.

    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.

  • Indications of Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures
    •Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
    •Mixed seizure patterns
    •Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
    •Bipolar I disorder - Equetro brand only
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles in adults
    •Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
    •Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day
    •Can cause a lot of side effects
    •Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body
    •Can make hormonal birth control not work as well
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (44%)
    •Sleepiness (32%)
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Vomiting (18%)
    •Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Itching (8%)
    •Dry mouth (8%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Blurry vision (6%)
    •Speech problems (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)

  • Warnings of Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Withdrawal
    •Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement
    •Liver problems
    •Low sodium levels
    •High eye pressure
    •Heart block (heart rhythm problems)
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tegretol vs. Gabapentin

    Learn more about Carbamazepine
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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