Key takeaways
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and mechanisms. Carbamazepine is used to treat various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). It works by blocking sodium channels in the brain. Gabapentin, on the other hand, is used for nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. It has a structure similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming brain chemical, but its exact mechanism is not fully understood. Carbamazepine is available in many forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and liquid, while gabapentin is available as tablets, capsules, and liquid. Both medications can cause dizziness and sleepiness, but carbamazepine has a broader range of side effects, including potential liver problems and low blood cell counts. Gabapentin is sometimes controlled in certain states due to its potential for misuse, unlike carbamazepine.
