Gabapentin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Gabapentin is a prescription medicine used to treat some types of seizures in epilepsy and to relieve nerve pain. It belongs to the gabapentinoids. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and some people become dependent on it. It should not be stopped suddenly.
Also known as: Gabapentin capsule, Gabapentin 100 mg, Gabapentin 300 mg, Gabapentin 400 mg, Neurontin, Gabapin
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Gabapentin work?
Gabapentin binds to a protein on nerve cells and reduces the release of chemical messengers that carry over-active signals. This calms nerve activity, which can reduce seizures and nerve pain.
How to take Gabapentin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Gabapentin can be taken with or without food, and the dose is often built up gradually. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Gabapentin
Many side effects are mild and ease within a week or two, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Mood changes
- Swollen arms and legs
- Blurred vision or dry mouth
- Weight gain, memory problems or headache
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. Get help at once; this can start within a week of treatment
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get emergency help
- Trouble breathing, or very slow, shallow breathing
- Yellow skin or eyes, high temperature, swollen glands or unusual bruising or bleeding
- Long-lasting stomach pain with nausea or vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there
Who should be careful
Tell your doctor about your health history before taking gabapentin.
- Dependence: some people become addicted, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal or, in epilepsy, seizures that do not stop. Tell your doctor if you have ever misused a medicine
- Lung or breathing conditions such as COPD or severe asthma
- Kidney problems: the dose may need adjusting
- Pregnancy: not generally recommended unless benefits outweigh risks; do not stop on your own if taking it for epilepsy
- Driving or using machinery: avoid until you know how it affects you
Medicines and things that interact with Gabapentin
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine and herbal remedy you take.
- Antacids (indigestion remedies): can reduce absorption; take gabapentin at least 2 hours apart
- Strong painkillers such as morphine: can cause marked tiredness and dizziness
- Some antidepressants and antipsychotics: check with a doctor or pharmacist first
- Alcohol and other medicines or herbal remedies that cause drowsiness: effects can add up
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed can cause dizziness, sleepiness, double vision, slurred speech or fainting. Go to the nearest hospital or call 112, and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a prescription medicine; follow the schedule printed on the pack. Gabapentin tablets and capsules are used under a doctor's prescription, and this site gives information only.
Type of medicine
Gabapentin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Gabapentin
These medicines sold in India contain Gabapentin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Gabapin 100 · 100 mg capsule
What is Gabapentin used for?
Medicines that contain Gabapentin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Gabapentin.
Common questions
What is gabapentin used for?
It is a prescription medicine used for some types of seizures in epilepsy and for nerve pain such as pain after shingles. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long.
Can gabapentin cause dependence?
Yes, some people become addicted, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, pain and sweating. Tell your doctor if you have ever misused a medicine. Never stop on your own.
Can I stop gabapentin suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal and, in epilepsy, seizures that do not stop. Your doctor reduces the dose gradually. Talk to your doctor first, even if you feel better.
Can I drink alcohol with gabapentin?
Alcohol can add to sleepiness and dizziness, and strong painkillers can too. It is best to avoid alcohol and ask your doctor or pharmacist what is suitable.
Is gabapentin safe in pregnancy?
It is not generally recommended unless the benefit outweighs the risk, because its safety for the baby is not well established. If you take it for epilepsy, do not stop; contact your doctor urgently.
Is gabapentin the same as pregabalin?
They are from the same group and work in a similar way, but they are different medicines with different doses. Do not swap one for the other without a doctor's advice.