Gabapentin alternatives: What can I take instead of gabapentin?

In this article:

• What can you take instead of gabapentin?
• Top 5 gabapentin alternatives
• Compare gabapentin alternatives
• Over-the-counter gabapentin alternatives
• Natural alternatives to gabapentin
• How to switch to a gabapentin alternative
• Choosing the right path for your treatment

In this article

• What can you take instead of gabapentin?
• Top 5 gabapentin alternatives
• Compare gabapentin alternatives
• Over-the-counter gabapentin alternatives
• Natural alternatives to gabapentin
• How to switch to a gabapentin alternative
• Choosing the right path for your treatment

Gabapentin is a generic prescription drug that has several FDA-approved uses, including certain types of seizures and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long-term nerve pain that can happen as a complication of shingles. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) for various conditions, such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain (nerve pain), and alcohol dependence. Gabapentin is known by brand names including Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise—with some of the FDA-approved uses varying by product.

For example, Horizant is used for restless legs syndrome and for PHN. If you are interested in trying a different drug due to side effects or any other reason, the good news is that there are various gabapentin alternatives you can discuss with your healthcare provider. ​​However, the best option will depend on individual factors, such as why you are taking gabapentin—whether it’s for seizures, PHN, or another condition.

What can you take instead of gabapentin?

There are various other options you can try if you are looking for an alternative to gabapentin. The best option depends, in part, on the condition being treated. Gabapentin has several FDA-approved uses, as well as several off-label uses, so your healthcare provider can help choose the most appropriate alternative for your situation. Another medicine may be more suitable for certain individuals due to their different uses, side effect profiles, and other individual considerations. 

RELATED: How much is gabapentin without insurance?

Top 5 gabapentin alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to gabapentin.

1. Lyrica (pregabalin)

Lyrica (pregabalin) is chemically similar to gabapentin. Lyrica is available in brand and generic forms and is FDA approved for the following uses in adults:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
• Nerve pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)
• Fibromyalgia
• Nerve pain associated with spinal cord injury

Lyrica can also be used in adults and children 1 month and older as an add-on treatment for partial-onset seizures.

There is also an extended-release form of Lyrica, which is FDA approved for PHN and nerve pain caused by DPN. 

Lyrica is sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance, which means it has some potential for abuse and misuse. (Gabapentin is not a federally controlled substance, but some states monitor the use of gabapentin or classify it as a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse.)

Common adverse effects of Lyrica include:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth 
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Swelling of the hands and feet

2. Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Cymbalta contains the active ingredient duloxetine and is available in brand and generic formulations. It is classified in a group of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and is FDA approved for the following conditions in adults:

• Major depressive disorder, or depression
• Nerve pain from DPN
• Chronic pain management for various types of pain, such as lower back pain or osteoarthritis pain

Cymbalta is also FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children 7 years and older, as well as fibromyalgia in adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older.

Cymbalta is sometimes prescribed off-label for stress urinary incontinence in adult females.

Common side effects of Cymbalta include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Increased sweating
• Dizziness

3. Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is commonly referred to by the brand name Elavil, but Elavil is no longer available in the United States. However, generic amitriptyline is available. This medicine is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline is FDA approved for depression, but has many off-label uses, including:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Migraine prevention
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
• Hiccups
• Bulimia
• Bedwetting

Amitriptyline is commonly associated with the following side effects:

• Stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation
• Problems with urination
• Blurry vision
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Confusion 
• Unsteadiness 
• Nightmares
• Headache
• Pain, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet
• Sexual problems
• Excess sweating
• Appetite and weight changes

4. Lidoderm (lidocaine)

Lidoderm contains the active ingredient lidocaine and is available as a topical patch that is applied to the painful area for 12 hours on and 12 hours off. It is available in both brand and generic forms. Lidoderm is an anesthetic and is FDA approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia pain. Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe Lidoderm off-label for diabetic peripheral neuropathy or other types of nerve pain.  

Common side effects of Lidoderm include skin reactions under the patch or around the site of patch application, such as burning, discomfort, redness, and swelling. 

5. Lamictal (lamotrigine)

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is available in both brand and generic formulations. Lamictal is FDA approved for the following uses:

• Add-on treatment for epilepsy in adults and children 2 years and older
• Single treatment for epilepsy in patients 16 years and older
• Bipolar I disorder

It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for trigeminal neuralgia and to prevent a rare, specific type of headache called short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). 

Common side effects of Lamictal include:

• Dizziness
• Shaking
• Headache
• Rash
• Back pain
• Sleepiness and tiredness, or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
• Vision and coordination problems
• Fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, infections

The table below lists some of the common alternatives for gabapentin. Only your healthcare provider can determine which one is best for you based on the condition you are treating, as well as other individual factors, such as your medical history.

Compare gabapentin alternatives
Drug name	Average retail price*	SingleCare price*	Savings options
Gabapentin	$148 for 90, 300 mg capsules	$9 for 90, 300 mg capsules of generic gabapentin at Kroger	Gabapentin coupons
Lyrica (pregabalin)	$714 for 60, 75 mg capsules	$11 for 60, 75 mg capsules of generic pregabalin at Kroger	Lyrica coupons
Duloxetine	$230 for 30, 60 mg capsules	$8 for 30, 60 mg capsules of generic duloxetine at Kroger	Duloxetine coupons
Amitriptyline	$28 for 30, 25 mg tablets	$4 for 30, 25 mg tablets of generic amitriptyline at Walmart	Amitriptyline coupons
Lidoderm (lidocaine)	$1,137 for 30 patches	$46 for 30 patches of generic lidocaine at CVS	Lidoderm coupons
Lamictal (lamotrigine)	$660 for 30, 100 mg tablets	$7 for 30, 100 mg tablets of generic lamotrigine at Kroger	Lamictal coupons
Depakote (divalproex sodium)	$790 for 90, 500 mg tablets	$19 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic divalproex sodium at Kroger	Depakote coupons
Dilantin (phenytoin)	$226 for 90, 100 mg capsules	$19 for 90, 100 mg capsules of generic phenytoin at Kroger	Dilantin coupons
Horizant (gabapentin)	$722 for 30, 600 extended-release tablets	$552 for 30, 600 extended-release tablets of brand-name Horizant at Kroger	Horizant coupons
Keppra (levetiracetam)	$733 for 60, 500 mg tablets	$7 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic levetiracetam at Kroger	Keppra coupons
Klonopin (clonazepam)	$112 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets	$10 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of generic clonazepam at Walmart	Klonopin coupons
Nortriptyline	$40 for 30, 25 mg capsules	$4 for 30, 25 mg capsules of generic nortriptyline at Walmart	Nortriptyline coupons
Tegretol (carbamazepine)	$245 for 60, 200 mg tablets	$18 for 60, 200 mg tablets of generic carbamazepine at Walmart	Tegretol coupons
Topamax (topiramate)	$523 for 60, 25 mg tablets	$8 for 60, 25 mg tablets of generic topiramate at Kroger	Topamax coupons
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)	$810 for 60, 300 mg tablets	$9 for 60, 300 mg tablets of generic oxcarbazepine at Walmart	Trileptal coupons

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 4, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Over-the-counter gabapentin alternatives 

While there are no over-the-counter (OTC) gabapentin alternatives to prevent seizures, there are some OTC drugs that may help with various pain conditions, such as:

• The OTC analgesic Tylenol (acetaminophen) for its pain-relieving effect
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) to help with pain and inflammation (swelling)
• Topical creams or patches such as capsaicin, menthol, or lidocaine (in a lower strength than the Rx version) for pain relief

You can ask your healthcare provider if any of these OTC treatments may help with your pain.  

Natural alternatives to gabapentin 

Some people may be interested in natural alternatives to gabapentin. It’s important to note that natural alternatives should never be a substitute for your healthcare provider’s prescription(s), and you should always check with your healthcare provider before trying any natural alternatives. 

For seizures, some people may be interested in trying cannabidiol (CBD), but over-the-counter CBD products are not regulated like prescription medications and may contain unknown or harmful ingredients. Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD medicine for certain types of seizures, but store-bought CBD has unproven benefits and possible risks like drug interactions and liver problems. You should always discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before trying any treatment on your own, even if it is natural. 

If you are interested in natural alternatives for pain relief, there are some options you can discuss with your healthcare provider, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and even dietary changes like incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether any of these treatments may complement your prescribed care.

How to switch to a gabapentin alternative

If you are interested in switching to a gabapentin alternative, talk with your healthcare provider. There are several important factors to consider when making the switch. The best alternative depends, in part, on why you are taking gabapentin. For example, if you take gabapentin to manage seizures, you’ll need a medicine that treats seizures. If you take gabapentin for nerve pain, the medicine you switch to should also treat nerve pain. 

Additionally, your healthcare provider can discuss individual considerations such as your family and medical history, symptoms, potential side effects and drug interactions, as well as cost, in determining the drug that is best for you. To ensure the safest and most appropriate treatment, be sure to tell your provider about all of your medical conditions, as well as the medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and any vitamins or supplements. 

Gabapentin should not be stopped suddenly, as doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms and increase the risk of seizures. Your healthcare provider can advise you on how to safely taper off this medicine and start a new medicine.

Choosing the right path for your treatment

There are various options available to use as an alternative treatment to gabapentin, such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, amitriptyline, Lidoderm, Lamictal, and others. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice to determine the best treatment for your condition—whether it is for epilepsy, pain relief, or another condition. Together, you can find a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and health goals.