Compare Neurontin vs. Zoloft
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 helps you relax.
Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1472 reviewsforZoloft
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.
- One of the more effective and better tolerated antidepressants in its class.
- Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.
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.
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect.
- Can cause low sex drive, an inability to orgasm or ejaculate, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Is more likely to cause diarrhea compared to other antidepressants.
- Interacts with lots of other medicines.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
Used for
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$599.50
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$6.52
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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 review1472 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zoloft (sertraline)?
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%
15possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Diarrhea18%
- Dry mouth16%
- Difficulty sleeping16%
- Drowsiness13%
- Dizziness12%
- Tremor11%
- Fatigue11%
- More sweating8%
- Constipation8%
- Ejaculation failure7%
- Upset stomach6%
- Agitation6%
- Loss of appetite3%
- Stomach pain2%
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
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Mania
- Personal history of bipolar disorder
- Family history for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretic medicines