Compare Topamax vs. Neurontin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
- Essential tremors
- Eating disorder
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$97.27
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$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 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
39possible side effects
- Sleepiness26%
- Loss of appetite24%
- Fatigue16%
- Injury14%
- Nervousness14%
- Personality disorder (behavior problems)11%
- Difficulty with concentration/attention10%
- Weight loss9%
- Aggressive reaction9%
- Abnormal gait8%
- Purpura8%
- Difficulty sleeping8%
- Viral infection7%
- Impaired coordination6%
- Nausea6%
- Increased saliva6%
- Muscle spasm5%
- Constipation5%
- Difficulty with memory5%
- Pneumonia5%
- Dizziness4%
- Speech disorders/ related speech problems4%
- Nose bleed4%
- Confusion4%
- Urinary incontinence4%
- Stomach flu3%
- Psychomotor slowing3%
- Skin disorder3%
- Allergic reaction2%
- Abnormal reflexes2%
- Thirst2%
- Pussing2%
- Hair loss2%
- Dermatitis2%
- Increased hair growth2%
- Red skin rash2%
- Eye abnormality2%
- Abnormal vision2%
- Leukopenia2%
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
- 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
- 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