Compare Neurontin vs. Paxil
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 620 reviewsforNeurontin
Improves mood and anxiety.
Paxil (paroxetine) is effective for treating depression and anxiety, but causes more unwanted side-effects than other medicines that work like it.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 694 reviewsforPaxil
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.
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Is convenient and can take once a day.
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.
- More likely to decrease your sexual appetite and delay or prevent ejaculation than other antidepressants.
- Like most antidepressants, Paxil (paroxetine) has a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents.
- May not be appropriate for you if you are elderly or suffer from dementia.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$599.36
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$30.97
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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 review694 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Paxil (paroxetine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
20possible side effects
- Dizziness28%
- Drowsiness21%
- Swelling in the limbs8%
- Abnormal physical weakness6%
- Diarrhea6%
- Infection5%
- Dry mouth5%
- Constipation4%
- Nausea4%
- Headache3%
- Accidental injury3%
- Stomach pain3%
- Vomiting3%
- Worse coordination3%
- Thinking abnormal3%
- Decreased vision3%
- Gas2%
- Weight gain2%
- Abnormal gait2%
- Lack of coordination2%
29possible side effects
- Abnormal ejaculation28%
- Nausea25%
- Weakness22%
- Drowsiness22%
- Difficulty sleeping21%
- Decreased sexual appetite12%
- Dizziness11%
- Sweating9%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Tremor9%
- Female genital disorder9%
- Decreased appetite8%
- Nervousness8%
- Constipation5%
- Anxiety5%
- Yawning5%
- Painful period5%
- Impotence5%
- Indigestion4%
- Gas4%
- Muscle pain4%
- Impaired concentration4%
- Throat inflammation4%
- Abnormal vision4%
- Trauma3%
- Agitation3%
- Vomiting2%
- Muscle twitching2%
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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- High levels of serotonin (Serotonin Syndrome)
- Using other medications that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Paxil (paroxetine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs
- Sexual dysfunction