Neurontin vs. Topamax for Migraine Headaches

Neurontin and Topamax are two drugs that are prescribed for daily use to prevent migraine attacks. In the scheme of migraine drugs, both of these are relatively new. Like many preventative medications, they don't work for everyone.

Neurontin

• Neurontin, or gabapentin, is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration to prevent seizures and nerve pain, such as pain caused by shingles. An off-label use of the medication is as a migraine preventative.

Topamax

• Topamax, or topiramate, is an anti-seizure medication that is approved by the FDA as a migraine preventative. How it works exactly to prevent headaches is unknown, but it appears to assist some neurotransmitters.

Side Effects of Neurontin

• Side effects of Neurontin include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unsteadiness, fatigue and weight gain. It also has some psychological side effects such as mood swings, anxiety, hostility and suicidal thoughts.

Side effects of Topamax

• Side effects of Topamax include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, difficulty in concentrating, tingling in the hands and feet, loss of appetite and weight loss. It also can have some psychological side effects such as mood swings and anxiety.

Considerations

• Both medications have side effects that can be troubling. But the only way to know how one medicine will affect you--whether in debilitating side effects or in preventing migraines--is by trying it under your doctor's supervision.