What is a common side effect of both Neurontin and Risperdal?

Drowsiness is a common side effect associated with both Neurontin (gabapentin) and Risperdal (risperidone). Neurontin, primarily used to treat nerve pain and seizures, can cause sedation and fatigue in patients, which may manifest as drowsiness. Similarly, Risperdal, an atypical antipsychotic medication, frequently leads to drowsiness, especially during the initial phase of treatment or when the dosage is increased. This overlap in side effects can be important for healthcare providers and patients to recognize, as it may influence the overall management plan, particularly in regard to activities that require full alertness, such as driving.

In contrast, agitation, insomnia, and headache are not commonly experienced by both medications simultaneously. While individual responses to medications can vary, drowsiness remains a notable and shared side effect of Neurontin and Risperdal that warrants attention.