What is gabapentin used for?
Gabapentin is approved in the U.S. It’s also FDA-approved for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a type of nerve pain that can occur after shingles.
Gabapentin may be used in combination with other medications. It’s often given with another antiepileptic drug to treat partial onset seizures. Or, it might be combined with another medication to treat nerve pain from postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin is also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain after shingles. The exact way that it works isn’t clear, but research suggests that gabapentin can alter calcium channel activity in the brain and spinal cord.
Gabapentin 300 mg dosage for nerve pain
For nerve pain after shingles, gabapentin usually starts at a dose of 300 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 600 mg three times per day if needed.
Gabapentin dose and kidney function
Because the kidneys clear gabapentin, the dose of Neurontin should be reduced if you have kidney problems [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Gabapentin side effects
Dizziness and sleepiness are the side effects that affect most patients who take gabapentin. Other common side effects include unsteadiness, dry mouth, or swelling in your hands or feet.
Is gabapentin addictive or a controlled substance?
Gabapentin is not a federally controlled substance in the United States.
But there are reports of abuse, misuse, and diversion with the drug; patients should be warned about the risk of these behaviors and should be educated on the proper use of NEURONTIN.
How long does gabapentin take to work?
Gabapentin is started low and raised gradually over the first few weeks of treatment.
Gabapentin with alcohol, opioids and antacids
Alcohol and opioids add to gabapentin's CNS depressant effects and the risk of respiratory depression when coadministered. The concurrent use with antacids (e.g., Maalox) containing magnesium and aluminum hydroxides may reduce the mean bioavailability of gabapentin by about 20%.
Gabapentin price
| Strength | Quantity | Retail | GoodRx coupon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 mg | 90 capsules | $83.35 | $5.43 |
| 600 mg | 90 tablets | $101.90 | $18.77 |
GoodRx Neurontin page, generic gabapentin, last updated 05/11/26.
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication that can be used to treat nerve pain. It can also help control seizures in patients who have epilepsy. Gabapentin is available as a generic drug or under the brand name Neurontin.
Generic gabapentin is inexpensive, and generic prices are much lower than the brand name drug. The cost of a prescription will vary depending on where you fill it, but it’s usually available at a low cost.
Gabapentin for dogs
There were no safety or effectiveness studies done in animals. Instead, the approval was based on clinical trials in humans with epilepsy.