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Compare Tofranil vs. Neurontin

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

Key takeaways

Imipramine (Tofranil) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), is primarily used to treat depression and bedwetting in children, but is sometimes used off-label for nerve pain. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic approved for treating nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Both are available as a generic. Imipramine comes as a capsule and tablet, whereas gabapentin is available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid. Imipramine is typically taken once daily, often at bedtime, while gabapentin is usually taken three times a day. Imipramine can cause a lot of side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and weight changes, whereas gabapentin often causes dizziness and sleepiness. Both medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Imipramine interacts with sedatives and MAOIs, while gabapentin can cause dangerously slow breathing if taken with benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol.

  • Imipramine
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Imipramine
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Imipramine is a medication that's used to treat depression. It can also temporarily help with bedwetting in children at night. Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). There are two different forms of the medication: imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate. They used to be available under the brand name Tofranil but are now only sold as generic versions. The dosage generally depends on why you need imipramine, how severe your symptoms are, and your age. It's generally not a first-choice option because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in weight.

    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 Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on how well the medication is working for you
    •For bedwetting, only needs to be taken right before bedtime
    Cons
    •Can cause a lot of side effects, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and eye pain
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it too suddenly after long-term use
    •Has a risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Not a good option for people with a history of heart problems
    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 Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for

    In adults (with depression)

    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

    In children (with bedwetting problems)

    •Nervousness
    •Sleep problems
    •Tiredness
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •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 Tofranil vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Imipramine
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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