Gabapentin

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to:

• Prevent seizures in people with epilepsy

• Treat nerve pain, especially postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles)

It was FDA-approved in 1994 for epilepsy and in 2002 for postherpetic neuralgia.
Doctors may also prescribe it off-label for conditions such as withdrawal symptoms, restless legs syndrome, chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, excessive sweating, and persistent hiccups.

How Gabapentin Works

Gabapentin is a GABA analog (related to the calming neurotransmitter GABA).
It works by:

• Increasing GABA activity

• Reducing the release of stimulating neurotransmitters

• Stabilizing nerve activity

This helps prevent seizures and reduces nerve-related pain signals.

How to Store It

• Keep Gabapentin at room temperature

• Protect it from sunlight and moisture

• Store out of reach of children and pets

How to Take Gabapentin

• Take by mouth with water

• Swallow tablets whole—do not crush or split

• Can be taken with or without food

• Take it at the same times each day for best effect

Typical Dosage

Dosage depends on the condition being treated:

• Postherpetic neuralgia:
  Start with 300–600 mg daily, gradually increasing to 1800 mg/day in 3 divided doses

• Seizure prevention:
  900–1800 mg/day, divided into 3 doses

• Restless legs syndrome:
  Often treated with 600 mg once daily

Your doctor will determine the exact dose for your needs.

Missed Dose

• Take as soon as you remember

• Skip it if your next dose is soon

• Never double up to make up a missed dose

Overdose Warning

Seek immediate medical help if you suspect an overdose.
Symptoms may include:

• Severe drowsiness

• Weakness

• Extreme fatigue

• Slurred speech

Warnings & Precautions

Use caution if you have:

• Kidney or liver disease

• Depression or mood disorders

Important safety notes:

• Gabapentin may cause dizziness or drowsiness → avoid driving or heavy machinery

• Avoid alcohol, which increases sedation

• It may interact with medications like antihistamines, anxiety medications, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, and muscle relaxants

Always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness or fatigue

• Dizziness

• Poor coordination

• Blurred vision or unusual eye movements

• Tremors

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of feet, hands, or ankles

• Fever, cough, or sore throat

• Mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts

• Chest pain

• Changes in urination

• Dark urine

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures, coma)

Gabapentin for Seizures & Nerve Pain

Gabapentin is especially effective for partial (focal) seizures and mixed seizure disorders.
For pain conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic neuropathic pain, it can be as effective as other treatments and is often more affordable.

When Should Gabapentin Not Be Used?

Do not use Gabapentin if:

• You are allergic to gabapentin

• You have severe kidney impairment

• You have untreated severe depression

• You have myasthenia gravis

• You have a history of suicidal thoughts or attempts

Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping this medication.

How Long Should You Take It?

Take Gabapentin for as long as your doctor instructs.
Do not stop suddenly—this can worsen symptoms or trigger seizures.