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Fentanyl Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Fentanyl Remove Fentanyl from your drug comparison Tramadol Remove Tramadol from your drug comparison Gabapentin Remove Gabapentin from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Fentanyl Remove Fentanyl from your drug comparison Tramadol Remove Tramadol from your drug comparison Gabapentin Remove Gabapentin from your drug comparison

Fentanyl is a very potent pain-relieving medicine. It is not recommended for people who have never been prescribed opioid-type pain relief before, and deaths have been reported from improper dosing... View more

Tramadol is a strong pain relief medicine effective for both general and nerve-related pain. Tramadol can cause dependence and use may be limited by side effects such as nausea and... View more

Gabapentin may be used in the treatment of partial-onset seizures and nerve pain but is likely to cause dizziness or drowsiness. Gabapentin enacarbil (brand name Horizant), a prodrug of gabapentin... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 395 reviews

View all 1578 reviews

View all 2118 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: fever, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis.

See the full fentanyl side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: pruritus, agitation, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, hallucination, nausea, tremor, vomiting, diaphoresis.

See the full tramadol side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, nystagmus disorder, sedated state, viral infection.

See the full gabapentin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 25 mL
Dosage 50 mcg/mL
Per Unit* $0.89
Cost* $22.20

View all fentanyl prices

Quantity 6 tablet
Dosage 50 mg
Per Unit* $1.76
Cost* $10.54

View all tramadol prices

Quantity 10 capsule
Dosage 300 mg
Per Unit* $1.28
Cost* $12.77

View all gabapentin prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Buccal tablet
  • Injectable solution
  • Oral transmucosal lozenge
  • Transdermal film, extended release
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Actiq, Duragesic, Fentanyl Transdermal System, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys ConZip, Qdolo, Tramadol Hydrochloride ER, Ultram Fanatrex, Gabarone, Gralise, Neurontin

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

8.7 hours

5.2 hours

6 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
4
Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (12)

FDA Alerts (4)

FDA Alerts (4)

Drug Interactions

A total of 545 drugs are known to interact with fentanyl:

  • 244 major drug interactions (849 brand and generic names)
  • 298 moderate drug interactions (1157 brand and generic names)
  • 3 minor drug interactions (98 brand and generic names)

A total of 541 drugs are known to interact with tramadol:

  • 292 major drug interactions (1036 brand and generic names)
  • 246 moderate drug interactions (1106 brand and generic names)
  • 3 minor drug interactions (14 brand and generic names)

A total of 223 drugs are known to interact with gabapentin:

  • 26 major drug interactions (142 brand and generic names)
  • 187 moderate drug interactions (815 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (52 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with... View more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of traMADol such as dizziness, drowsiness, and... View more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of gabapentin such as dizziness, drowsiness,... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

February 19, 1968

March 03, 1995

December 30, 1993

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer