Compare Neurontin vs. Geodon

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

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Neurontin (gabapentin)

Prescription only

Geodon (ziprasidone)

Prescription only
Treats tingling and burning nerve pain.

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an old seizure disorder medicine that is now used to treat nerve-related pain caused by different conditions.

3.4/ 5 average rating with 620 reviewsforNeurontin
Helps control your thoughts and mood.

Geodon (ziprasidone) treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia with fewer side effects than similar medications, but has a risk of abnormal heart rhythm.

3.4/ 5 average rating with 23 reviewsforGeodon
Upsides
  • Originally used to treat epilepsy (partial seizures), but now it primarily treats neuropathic pain that's caused by nerve stimulation or damage.
  • Studies show it's most effective for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia (a painful muscle condition).
  • It's available as a generic, so it's less expensive than similar medications.
  • Geodon (ziprasidone) effectively stabilizes mood in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Compared to other antipsychotics, this drug has a lower risk of weight gain, high blood sugars, and high cholesterol.
  • Geodon (ziprasidone) capsule is available as a generic.
  • Available as a daily pill for long-term treatment.
Downsides
  • Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause some side effects, including memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. There is a higher risk for these side effects if you drink alcohol, so it might not be the best medication for heavy drinkers.
  • You can't skip or miss doses since suddenly stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause seizures.
  • It may take several weeks before you feel the full effects of Geodon (ziprasidone).
  • Might not be a good option if you have a history of heart problems.
  • You will need to get blood tests before you start taking Geodon (ziprasidone) to make sure you're healthy enough to take it.
  • People who are also taking diuretics will need regular blood tests while on Geodon (ziprasidone).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
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Reviews
620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Leave a review
23 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
30%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Geodon (ziprasidone)?

Leave a review
Side effects
20possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    28%
  • Drowsiness
    21%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    8%
  • Abnormal physical weakness
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Infection
    5%
  • Dry mouth
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Accidental injury
    3%
  • Stomach pain
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Worse coordination
    3%
  • Thinking abnormal
    3%
  • Decreased vision
    3%
  • Gas
    2%
  • Weight gain
    2%
  • Abnormal gait
    2%
  • Lack of coordination
    2%
See more detailed side effects
23possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    31%
  • Movement problems
    31%
  • Headache
    18%
  • Dizziness
    16%
  • Nausea
    10%
  • Restlessness
    10%
  • Weakness
    6%
  • Abnormal vision
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Dry mouth
    5%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Accidental injury
    4%
  • Increased salivation
    4%
  • High blood pressure
    3%
  • Tongue swelling
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Difficulty swallowing
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Loss of sensation
    2%
  • Speech disorder
    2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%
  • Itchy, red skin
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Neurologic and psychiatric side effects (children)
    • Children ages 3 to 12
  • Serious allergic reaction and multiple organ problems
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that cause dizziness and/or drowsiness
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased risk of death
    • Elderly patients with dementia
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking other drugs that also cause heart rhythm changes
    • Low potassium
    • Low magnesium
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Abnormal and involuntary muscle movements
    • Taking Geodon (ziprasidone) in higher doses or for a long time
    • Elderly women
  • Dizziness and falls
    • Dehydration
    • Taking blood pressure medications
    • History of heart disease
See more detailed risks and warnings