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Compare Topamax vs. Neurontin

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

Key takeaways

Topiramate (Topamax) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Topiramate is used to treat various types of seizures and to prevent migraines, while gabapentin is used for nerve pain from shingles and as an add-on treatment for partial seizures. Topiramate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, and it can be taken once or twice daily. In contrast, gabapentin is typically taken three times a day and available as pills and a liquid. Topiramate can cause side effects like kidney stones and serious eye problems, whereas gabapentin can cause severe allergic reactions and cause dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression). Additionally, gabapentin is controlled in some states due to its potential for misuse. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Topiramate (Topamax)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Topiramate (Topamax)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Topiramate (Topamax) belongs to the drug class called antiepileptics. It can be used alone or together with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people 2 years and older. Topiramate (Topamax) can also be used to prevent migraines in people 12 years and older. It comes as immediate-release tablets and sprinkle capsules. The dosage is taken by mouth twice daily. Topiramate (Topamax) has many possible side effects, like weight loss and tingling of the arms and legs. It can also interact with many other medications.

    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial-onset, tonic-clonic, or those from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people 2 years and older
    •Migraine prevention in people 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can take by itself or with other medications to control seizures
    •An option for preventing migraines
    •Also available as a sprinkle capsule that you can open and mix contents with soft food (for people who have trouble swallowing pills)
    •Approved for both adults and children (age depends on the health problem)
    Cons
    •Taken twice a day
    •Can cause sleepiness and tingling in the arms or legs
    •Risk of some serious side effects, like eye problems and kidney stones
    •Interacts with many medications, like birth control pills, warfarin, and divalproex (Depakote)
    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •"Pins and needles" feeling
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Fatigue
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Depression
    •Trouble concentrating
    •Trouble remembering things
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Trouble moving or keeping balance
    •Fever
    •Mood changes
    •Change in taste
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •High body temperature and trouble sweating
    •Too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
    •Changes in mood and risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Problems with memory, speech, or coordination
    •Sleepiness, tiredness, and lower concentration
    •High ammonia levels in the blood
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Kidney stones
    •Risk of seizures if you stop the medication suddenly
    •Bone or growth problems in children
    •Interaction with other medications
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Topiramate
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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