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Compare Trileptal vs. Neurontin

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.

  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used to treat partial-onset seizures (also called focal aware seizures). This antiepileptic is for people 2 years of age and older. It helps calm the brain to keep seizures from happening. Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) comes as immediate-release tablets and an oral suspension. You take it by mouth twice a day. Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Immediate-release oxcarbazepine comes in both brand-name and generic versions. You can take it by itself or with other anti-seizure 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 Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures (or focal aware seizures)
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) in adults
    •Partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Okay for children as young as 2 years old with partial-onset seizures to take
    •Available as an oral liquid for people who have trouble swallowing the tablets
    •Dose can be adjusted based on response to the medication
    Cons
    •Can make it hard to focus and react quickly
    •Can cause serious skin reactions
    •Interacts with many medications, including some antidepressants and other seizure medications
    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 Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Tiredness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Headache
    •Trouble walking
    •Double vision
    •Other changes in vision
    •Shaky eye movements (nystagmus)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) either by itself or with other seizure medications.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Poor muscle control or clumsiness (13%)
    •Fatigue (11%)

  • Warnings of Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low sodium levels
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Trouble with concentration, speech, and movement
    •Higher risk of having new seizures
    •Withdrawal 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 Trileptal vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Oxcarbazepine
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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