Compare Topamax vs. Neurontin

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

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Topamax (topiramate)

Prescription only

Neurontin (gabapentin)

Prescription only
Prevents seizures and migraine headaches.

Topamax (topiramate) is very effective at preventing many types of seizures and migraines, but it can cause several severe side effects that can lead to stopping the medication.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 56 reviewsforTopamax
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
  • Can lower your number of seizures and also prevent migraine headaches. This medicine can be used on its own or with other antiepileptic medicines to lower the frequency of seizures.
  • Doesn't need routine blood tests like similar medications.
  • Available in short-acting and long-acting forms.
  • Comes as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
  • 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
  • Can cause many severe side effects. People starting Topamax (topiramate) need to be monitored for these effects as soon as they start treatment.
  • This medicine can take 4 to 6 weeks for the full effects of this medication to kick in, especially for people taking it for migraines.
  • Children taking Topamax (topiramate) for long periods of time need to have their dose adjusted by their pediatrician as they grow.
  • At higher doses (ie. 400 mg/day), children may experience difficulty with concentration/attention, fever, flushing, and confusion.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$97.27
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Lowest price
$599.50
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Reviews
56 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Topamax (topiramate)?

Leave a review
620 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
39possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    26%
  • Loss of appetite
    24%
  • Fatigue
    16%
  • Injury
    14%
  • Nervousness
    14%
  • Personality disorder (behavior problems)
    11%
  • Difficulty with concentration/attention
    10%
  • Weight loss
    9%
  • Aggressive reaction
    9%
  • Abnormal gait
    8%
  • Purpura
    8%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    8%
  • Viral infection
    7%
  • Impaired coordination
    6%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Increased saliva
    6%
  • Muscle spasm
    5%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Difficulty with memory
    5%
  • Pneumonia
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Speech disorders/ related speech problems
    4%
  • Nose bleed
    4%
  • Confusion
    4%
  • Urinary incontinence
    4%
  • Stomach flu
    3%
  • Psychomotor slowing
    3%
  • Skin disorder
    3%
  • Allergic reaction
    2%
  • Abnormal reflexes
    2%
  • Thirst
    2%
  • Pussing
    2%
  • Hair loss
    2%
  • Dermatitis
    2%
  • Increased hair growth
    2%
  • Red skin rash
    2%
  • Eye abnormality
    2%
  • Abnormal vision
    2%
  • Leukopenia
    2%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • History of depression
  • Fever and inability to sweat
    • Children
  • Mental and cognitive changes
    • History of metabolic disorders
    • People also taking Depakote
  • Kidney stones
    • Low-carb diet
    • Dehydration
    • Drug interactions
  • Vision problems
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Topamax (topiramate) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Topamax (topiramate)
Learn more about Neurontin (gabapentin)