Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Trileptal is primarily used to treat partial-onset seizures and can be taken once or twice daily, while gabapentin is used as an add-on treatment for partial seizures and to treat nerve pain from shingles, typically taken three times daily. Trileptal is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms (Oxtellar XR), whereas gabapentin is available in immediate-release form, with extended-release versions (Gralise, Horizant) for specific conditions. Common side effects of Trileptal include dizziness, nausea, and headaches, while gabapentin often causes dizziness, poor muscle control, and sleepiness. Both medications can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, and neither should be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures and sleeping problems.
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Summary of Trileptal vs. Neurontin
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) helps treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal onset aware seizures), which are seizures that start on one side of the brain. It can be taken by both adults and children, either on its own or with other antiseizure medications. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is taken by mouth, either once or twice daily. Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It's available as generic tablets and oral suspensions, and also under the brand names Trileptal and Oxtellar XR.
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.
•Can affect focus, concentration, and your ability to react quickly
•Can cause life-threatening skin reactions
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 Trileptal vs. Neurontin
Common Side Effects for
•Dizziness (22%)
•Nausea (16%)
•Headache (13%)
•Vomiting (7%)
•Diarrhea (7%)
•Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
Please note: These side effects were reported by people in clinical trials who took Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) on its own, without having taken other antiseizure medications before. The side effects you experience might be different if you're taking or have taken other antiseizure medications.
Common Side Effects for
•Dizziness (17-28%)
•Sleepiness (19-21%)
•Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
•Fatigue (3-11%)
Warnings of Trileptal vs. Neurontin
Common Side Effects for
•Low blood sodium levels
•Severe allergic and skin reactions
•Risk of suicidal thoughts
•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement
•Higher risk for other seizures
•Withdrawal
Common Side Effects for
•Severe allergic and skin reactions
•Difficulty concentrating, extreme sleepiness, and dizziness