Gabapentin: What It Is and How It Is Used

What is gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medicine used mainly to treat certain types of nerve pain and to help control some forms of epilepsy. It works on the nervous system to calm overactive nerve signals, which is why it can help both with seizures and with the burning, shooting or tingling pain that comes from damaged or irritated nerves.

What it is prescribed for

Doctors most commonly prescribe gabapentin for:

• Nerve (neuropathic) pain — for example pain after shingles or pain linked to diabetes-related nerve damage. Our explainer on nerve pain explained describes how this kind of pain differs from ordinary aches.
• Epilepsy — usually alongside other medicines to help control certain types of seizure.

It is sometimes used for other conditions at a doctor's discretion. Gabapentin is not a general painkiller for everyday aches and is not suitable for every kind of pain. For ordinary muscular or joint pain, other approaches in our pain range may be more appropriate, guided by a pharmacist.

How it is taken

Gabapentin is usually started at a low dose and increased gradually, because building up slowly helps the body adjust and reduces side effects. The exact schedule is set by your doctor, and it is important to follow it rather than changing the amount yourself. Taking it at regular intervals helps keep its effect steady.

Important safety points

A few points are especially important with gabapentin:

• Do not stop it suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal effects and, in people with epilepsy, may increase the risk of seizures. If you need to stop, your doctor will usually reduce the dose gradually.
• It can cause drowsiness. Sedation, dizziness and unsteadiness are common, particularly when starting or increasing the dose. Take care with driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• It is a controlled medicine in some countries. Because of the potential for misuse and dependence, gabapentin is subject to extra controls in certain places. Use it only as prescribed and never share it.
• Alcohol and some other medicines can add to drowsiness. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take.

Side effects to be aware of

As well as drowsiness and dizziness, gabapentin can cause effects such as tiredness, fluid retention, weight changes, headache or digestive upset. Most side effects are mild and may ease with time, but you should report anything troublesome. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a serious reaction, such as a rash, swelling of the face or mouth, breathing difficulty, or mood changes including thoughts of self-harm.

Who should take extra care

Gabapentin needs careful handling in some situations, including in people with kidney problems, in older adults, and in pregnancy or breastfeeding. A history of substance misuse or breathing problems is also relevant. Your doctor will take these into account before prescribing.

Gabapentin is related in purpose to some other nerve-pain treatments; you can read about a comparable option in our pregabalin range. Whichever is considered, the choice is individual.

Getting the best from treatment

Nerve pain and epilepsy both benefit from steady, consistent treatment and regular review. Keep your follow-up appointments, raise side effects early, and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. For ordering questions, see our FAQ.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.