Compare Pamelor vs. Neurontin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood.
Pamelor (nortriptyline) is a good option for treating depression, especially for people who also have problems with persistent nerve pain, but may take 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full effects on your mood.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforPamelor
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
Upsides
- Helpful with treating certain types of pain, like migraines or nerve-related pain.
- Generally well tolerated and has fewer side effects than other medicines in the same class of drugs.
- Available as a generic in 2 different forms: capsule and liquid.
- 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.
Downsides
- Side effects are usually manageable, but can be annoying.
- There's an increased chance of it causing heart problems, especially in people with a history of heart problems.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$599.50
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Reviews
19 reviews so far
79%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pamelor (nortriptyline)?
Leave a review620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Pamelor (nortriptyline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Changing the dose
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older
- Other blood pressure lowering medications
- Eye problems
- Glaucoma
- Rare, life-threatening
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Triptans
- St. John's wort
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- MAO inhibitors
- Heart problems
- History of heart disease
- Older age
- Electrolyte imbalance
- 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