Key takeaways
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both prescription medications that can help with muscle and nerve-related issues, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used primarily as a muscle relaxer to treat muscle stiffness and rigidity. Gabapentin, on the other hand, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Both medications can be taken up to three times daily, but the dosing can vary based on the condition being treated. Both medications are also available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of tizanidine include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness, whereas gabapentin can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and poor muscle control. Some medications, like ciprofloxacin, can worsen low blood pressure and dizziness when taken with tizanidine. Other medications, like benzodiazepines and opioids, can increase the risk for dangerously slow breathing when taken with gabapentin. Both tizanidine and gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially when stopped suddenly.
