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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
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Topiramate
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Topiramate is a prescription medication that can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It can also be used to prevent migraines. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and capsules, as well as a liquid. Topiramate is typically taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on what formulation you're using. Some forms of topiramate are available as lower-cost generic medications.

    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
    •Migraine prevention
    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can be used on its own or with other medications to control seizures
    •Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so options to take once or twice daily
    •Available as a solution (Eprontia), so it's convenient for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Can be used to treat different types of seizures
    •Can be used to treat seizures in both adults and children
    Cons
    •Can prevent migraines from happening, but it won't help if you have a migraine attack
    •Can cause kidney stones
    •Can cause serious eye problems
    •Interacts with many medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and divalproex (Depakote)
    •Children taking this medication for long periods of time will need to have their doses adjusted often due to changes in body weight as they grow
    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for

    Please note: These are common side effects reported by children and adults who took immediate-release topiramate. Frequency of side effects can differ based on your age, as well as the dose and formulation of topiramate you're taking.

    •Feeling "pins and needles"
    •Drowsiness
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Fatigue
    •Dizziness
    •Lack of appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cough, stuffy nose, sore throat)
    •Fever
    •Change in taste
    •Trouble moving or keeping balance
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)

  • Warnings of Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •High body temperature and trouble sweating
    •Higher level of acid in blood
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Problems with mood and thinking clearly
    •Higher ammonia level in blood
    •Serious birth defects
    •Skin reactions
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Interaction with other medications
    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 Topamax vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Topiramate
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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