Why Are Gabapentin Prescribed?

Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are used along with other medications to help control certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy.

Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Gabapentin extended-release tablets (Horizant) are used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down).

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant prescription medication that is available generically or as the brand drug Neurontin, and is used in the prevention and control of seizures. It is primarily prescribed to individuals who suffer from epilepsy but can also be used to treat nerve pain as it works on the chemicals and nerves in the body which are involved in causing the seizures.

Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain. It is not known exactly how gabapentin works to treat restless legs syndrome.

: Online Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a prescription medication known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. GABA reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals. Gabapentin mirrors the effects of GABA calming excited neurons. Gabapentin, available in doses like 600 mg and 800 mg, is primarily prescribed for managing certain types of nerve pain (neuropathic pain) and as an adjunctive therapy for seizures.

Gabapentinoids include gabapentin and pregabalin. They are FDA-approved to treat a variety of conditions including partial seizures; pain from damaged nerves that follows spinal cord injury, healing of shingles, or diabetes; fibromyalgia; and moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome.

Gabapentin is marketed under the brand names Neurontin and Gralise, and as generics. Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug of gabapentin marketed under the brand name Horizant.

Gabapentin is not scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a controlled substance. A human abuse liability evaluation was not conducted when gabapentin was developed in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Gabapentin is available as a tablet, capsule, solution, and extended-release tablet.

Gabapentin is approved to prevent and control partial seizures, relieve postherpetic neuralgia after shingles and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome. Learn what side effects to watch for, drugs to avoid while taking gabapentin, how to take gabapentin and other important questions and answers. Gabapentin is available in both branded and generic forms.

How do I prepare for my online gabapentin prescription appointment?

To ensure the physician can provide an accurate medication prescription during your appointment, you can help by noting down any concerns and answers in advance, along with any allergies and other medications they should be aware of.

Other conditions to make the doctor aware of are:

Allergies
Diabetes
Depression or other mood disorders
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Lung disease
Liver disease
A drug addiction
Pregnancy

What will my online gabapentin prescription appointment be like?

Appointments usually take between five to thirty minutes depending on the individual need. The online doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms. This will allow them to determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, they may recommend a follow-up appointment, or a visit to a physical clinic.

Gabapentin belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants, which work on the chemical messengers in your brain and nerves. Gabapentin treats seizures, nerve pain from shingles, and restless legs syndrome.

Gabapentin is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Neurontin.

Gabapentin may be prescribed as a capsule, tablet, or oral solution. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

If you’re prescribed Gabapentin, complete the entire course of the anticonvulsant unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the anticonvulsant may not fully treat your seizures, nerve pain, or restless legs syndrome.

How Gabapentin (Neurontin) Works ?

It’s not exactly clear how gabapentin works to treat various health conditions. But we know that gabapentin mimics a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down, or quiets, brain and nerve activity. This is thought to relieve nerve pain, decrease anxiety, and prevent seizures — among other functions.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an antiepileptic that’s also used to help with nerve pain. It has a similar structure to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that calms nerves. It’s not completely known how gabapentin (Neurontin) works to treat seizures or nerve pain, but it’s thought to work by lowering the activation of nerves involved with causing nerve pain and seizures.

While mimicking GABA can have several positive effects, it can also cause side effects such as drowsiness. People who have trouble sleeping may welcome drowsiness, but it can also make it more difficult to complete daily tasks.

Here’s a closer look at how these doses work and what to keep in mind:

Uses

Nerve Pain: Often prescribed for conditions like postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles) or diabetic neuropathy.
Seizure Control: Used as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures in adults and children over a certain age.
Off-Label Uses: Sometimes used to manage generalized anxiety, certain types of headaches, and fibromyalgia, though this varies by individual and physician.

Differences Between Gabapentin 600 mg and Gabapentin 800 mg

Strength and Dosing: The main difference lies in the strength, with 800 mg providing a higher dose. A doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on the condition being treated, patient tolerance, and medical history.
Dosing Schedule: Gabapentin is often started at a lower dose and gradually increased. The maximum daily dose can go up to 3600 mg (split across the day), but this depends on individual tolerance and needs.

Gabapentin affects the way nerves transmit pain and seizure signals by acting on certain neurotransmitters, though it’s not fully understood. This action helps to stabilize nerve activity, which can alleviate pain or reduce seizure frequency.

What is Gabapentin Approved For?

Gabapentin is used to:

Prevent and control partial seizures. Gabapentin can be used in adults and children age 3 and older who have partial seizures.
Relieve nerve pain following shingles in adults. Shingles is a painful rash that develops many years after you’ve had chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox stays dormant in a portion of your spinal nerve root called the dorsal root ganglion. For whatever reason, this otherwise dormant virus gets reactivated — usually by stress — causing a shingles rash. Nerve pain following a case of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Treat moderate-too-severe primary restless legs syndrome.

The branded gabapentin products Neurontin and Gralise are approved for partial seizures and PHN. The branded gabapentin enacarbil product Horizant is approved for restless legs syndrome and PHN.

Off-label uses for Gabapentin

Doctors often prescribe gabapentin off-label to treat conditions such as:

pain from diabetic neuropathy, which is numbness or uncomfortable tingling caused by nerve damage from diabetes
nerve pain in the neck and back from conditions such as sciatica, a painful compression of the sciatic nerve
hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of heat and sweating that can happen in women after menopause and in those being treated for breast cancer
mood disorders such as anxiety
alcohol addiction.

What dosage strengths and forms does gabapentin come in?

Gabapentin is available as:

Gabapentin tablets. It’s available as 300- and 600-milligram tablets (Gralise) and 600- and 800-milligram tablets (Neurontin or generic gabapentin).
Gabapentin oral solution. The oral solution contains 250 millgrams of gabapentin per 5 milliliter (50 mg per mL) Neurontin or generic gabapentin.
Gabapentin capsules. It’s available as 100-, 300- or 400-milligram gelatin capsules (Neurontin or generic gabapentin).
Gabapentin enacarbil, 300- and 600-milligram extended-release tablets (Horizant).

Off-Label Usages of Gabapentin

Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for a variety of conditions outside its primary approvals for epilepsy and nerve pain. Here is a list of some of the common off-label uses:

Anxiety Disorders: Gabapentin is sometimes used to manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety, especially in patients who don’t respond well to traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Bipolar Disorder: While not a first-line treatment, gabapentin may be used as an adjunct to stabilize mood in patients with bipolar disorder, particularly those who have difficulty tolerating other mood stabilizers.
Insomnia: Due to its sedative effects, gabapentin is occasionally prescribed to help with sleep disorders, especially for those who struggle with sleep due to chronic pain or anxiety.
Alcohol Dependence and Withdrawal: Gabapentin is used to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms in patients with alcohol use disorder, as it can help alleviate anxiety, tremors, and insomnia associated with withdrawal.
Migraine Prevention: Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label to prevent migraines, especially in cases where traditional migraine medications are ineffective or not tolerated.
Hot Flashes: Particularly for postmenopausal women or breast cancer patients, gabapentin can be prescribed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Gabapentin can help alleviate symptoms of RLS, a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations and an urge to move the legs.
Pruritus (Chronic Itching): Gabapentin has shown effectiveness in managing severe itching related to conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or certain types of neuropathy.
Chronic Cough: Some cases of refractory chronic cough, where traditional treatments are ineffective, have responded to gabapentin.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-Related Symptoms: Gabapentin can help alleviate nerve pain, spasticity, and certain types of tremors associated with MS.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: In cases of chronic TMJ-related pain, gabapentin may be used to reduce discomfort.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): It is sometimes prescribed to help manage PTSD symptoms, particularly anxiety, sleep disturbances, and hyperarousal.
Vulvodynia: Gabapentin can help reduce pain in patients with vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar region.
Phantom Limb Pain: After amputation, some patients experience pain in the “phantom” limb, and gabapentin may be used to help relieve these sensations.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed to help manage chronic pelvic pain, especially when associated with nerve involvement.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Although more commonly used for postherpetic neuralgia, gabapentin can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a painful nerve condition affecting the face.

These off-label uses are based on clinical observations, smaller studies, or anecdotal evidence, so efficacy may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on using gabapentin for any off-label purpose.

Why is Gabapentin Prescribed Off-Label?

Versatility: Gabapentin affects the nervous system broadly by calming overactive nerves, making it useful for a wide range of conditions.
Low Abuse Potential: Unlike opioids, gabapentin has a lower potential for abuse, making it a safer alternative for chronic pain management.
Safety Profile: Generally, gabapentin is well-tolerated and considered safe when used properly, encouraging doctors to explore its benefits for other conditions.

What should I know about storage and disposal of Gabapentin?

Keep Gabapentin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the oral solution in the refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

double vision
slurred speech
drowsiness
diarrhea

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking gabapentin.

If you use a dipstick to test your urine for protein, ask your doctor which product you should use while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

What are the Brand Names of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is available as both a brand name product and a generic product (chemically the same, usually lower cost than the brand name product). Brand names of gabapentin include Horizant®, Gralise® and Neurontin®.

Who can and cannot take gabapentin ?

Who can take gabapentin

Gabapentin can be taken by most adults and children aged 6 and over.

Who may not be able to take gabapentin

Gabapentin is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any other medicine
have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine
are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant
are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)

Will Recreational Drugs Affect Gabapentin?

Gabapentin can intensify the highs of recreational drugs like heroin.

So, if you use recreational drugs alongside gabapentin, there may be more chance of unpleasant side effects like panic attacks, anxiety and memory loss.

Are There Similar Medicines to Gabapentin?

Pregabalin (also called Lyrica) is a medicine that works in a similar way to gabapentin.

Like gabapentin, it’s taken for epilepsy and nerve pain. It can also be taken for anxiety. But there are differences between pregabalin and gabapentin.Pregabalin can be taken less often and in different doses to gabapentin.

If you need to change to pregabalin, your doctor will explain how to swap safely from gabapentin.

Pharmacist Tips for Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin (Neurontin) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts. Contact your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while taking the medication.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) commonly causes sleepiness and dizziness. Don’t drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin (Neurontin) because it can worsen side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness).

Gabapentin (Neurontin) can interact with some commonly prescribed medications. Make sure to tell your provider and pharmacist about all of the medications you’re taking before starting gabapentin (Neurontin). Some medications that interact with gabapentin (Neurontin) include benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, and opioid pain medications. These combinations with gabapentin (Neurontin) can raise your risk of side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and dangerously slow breathing.

Medications containing aluminum or magnesium (e.g., multivitamins, Mylanta Maximum Strength) can lower the amount of gabapentin (Neurontin) that gets absorbed into your body, which can make the medication not work as well for you. Take gabapentin (Neurontin) at least 2 hours after taking a medication with aluminum or magnesium.

Don’t change your dose or suddenly stop taking gabapentin (Neurontin) without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures, anxiety, and sleeping problems. Follow your provider’s instructions to lower your dose slowly over a period of time to stop the medication completely.

You can take gabapentin (Neurontin) with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

If you’re taking the gabapentin (Neurontin) capsules, swallow the capsules whole with water. Don’t crush, chew, or open the capsules.

If you’re taking the gabapentin (Neurontin) tablets, you can split the tablets where they’re scored with a line in the middle of the tablet. Half-tablets not taken within 28 days of splitting in half should be thrown away.

If you’re taking gabapentin (Neurontin) liquid, make sure to use an oral syringe or medication dosing cup to measure out your dose. Don’t use household spoons because they aren’t accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

Store the liquid in the refrigerator in the original bottle it came in from the pharmacy.

What are the serious side effects of gabapentin?

If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction: If you have a skin rash, hives, itching or swollen, blistered or peeling skin with or without fever contact your healthcare provider. You should also contact your provider if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing or swelling of your face, lips, throat, eyes, mouth or tongue
Changes in mood or behavior: Call your provider for any suicidal thoughts or thoughts about dying, suicide attempts, new or worsening depression, anxiety, irritability or feelings of agitation or restlessness. You should also call your provider for trouble sleeping, panic attacks, feelings of aggression or anger, impulsive behavior, extreme increase in activity or talking and other changes in mood or behavior, confusion, inability to focus or memory problems as these can be side effects of your medication.
Signs of liver abnormalities: Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Signs of kidney abnormalities: Trouble urinating, a change in how much urine is passed, blood in your urine, or weight gain and swelling of legs and feet from retaining fluid.
Other concerning abnormalities: Change in color of your skin to a bluish color on your lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes along with severe fatigue or weakness and unexpected muscle pain.

What are the more common side effects of gabapentin?

Common side effects of gabapentin include:

Feeling tired.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Nausea and vomiting.
Fever.
Difficulty speaking.
Recurring infections.
Memory loss.
Weight gain.
Movement problems: coordination problems, being unsteady, tremors, jerky movements.
Eye problems: unusual eye movements, double vision.

Talk to your healthcare provider if any side effects do not go away.

Are there any serious interactions with gabapentin and other medications?

Serious breathing problems can happen if you take gabapentin with drugs that cause severe sleepiness or decreased awareness. Some examples include narcotic opioids, anti-anxiety medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines. If you are 65 years of age or older and/or have a condition that affects your lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is an increased risk for breathing problems. Watch for increased sleepiness or decreased breathing when you start taking gabapentin or when the dose is increased. Get help right away if you develop breathing problems.

Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms develop:

Confusion.
Unusual dizziness or lightheadedness.
Slowed, shallow or trouble breathing.
Unresponsiveness (can’t wake up).
Bluish-colored or tinted skin, especially on lips, fingers or toes.

What other medications and products can interact with gabapentin?

Products that interact with gabapentin include:

Alcohol.
Antihistamine-containing cold, cough and allergy products.
Certain medicines for anxiety or sleep.
Certain medicines for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine and sertraline.
Certain medicines for seizures, such as phenobarbital and primidone.
Certain medicines for stomach problems. (Wait two hours after taking aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids before taking gabapentin.)
General anesthetics, local anesthetics, or muscle relaxants given before surgery.
Narcotic pain medicines.

Can I drink alcohol while taking gabapentin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin. Drinking alcohol with gabapentin could increase sleepiness or dizziness.