Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant widely used to treat a variety of medical problems. It can only be taken by mouth as either a tablet, capsule, or oral solution. Side effects are relatively uncommon, but because of potentially serious problems, gabapentin can only be taken under the care of a healthcare professional.
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Gabapentin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Neurontin, Gralise
Generic Names:
Gabapentin
Uses:
Treats seizures and pain caused by shingles
Therapeutic Classes:
Anticonvulsant, neuropathic pain agent
Forms:
Capsule, tablet, oral solution
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Gabapentin used for?
Gabapentin is FDA-approved to prevent seizures and relieve nerve pain following a shingles infection.
Gabapentin is commonly used off-label to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, tremor, alcohol dependence, and some of the symptoms of menopause.
Key takeaways
Take gabapentin as prescribed. It is typically titrated until the desired dose is reached.
Do not drink alcohol while taking gabapentin. Do not drive or operate machinery when initially starting gabapentin until you know how it affects you.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, especially suicidal thoughts or breathing problems.
Do not abruptly stop gabapentin, as it may cause complications. Speak to your healthcare provider about tapering the dose.
What form(s) does Gabapentin come in
Capsule
100 mg
300 mg
400 mg
Tablet
600 mg
800 mg
Oral solution (liquid)
250 mg/5 mL
What are common Gabapentin doses?
For partial seizures:
Adults and children 12 years or older: 300–600 mg taken three times daily
For children 5–11 years old: 25-35 mg/kg per day divided into three daily doses
For children 3–4 years old: 40 mg/kg per day divided into three daily doses
For postherpetic neuralgia in adults: 300–600 mg taken three times daily
Common Gabapentin prescriptions
Gabapentin
100 capsules bottleGabapentin
470ml of 250mg/5ml bottleGabapentin
100mg capsuleGabapentin
300mg capsuleGabapentin
400mg capsuleGabapentin
250mg/5ml, 470ml bottle oral solutionGabapentin
250mg/5ml, 5ml cup oral solutionGabapentin
600mg tabletGabapentin
800mg tablet
How to take Gabapentin
Take your medicine as directed. The dose may change until the most effective dose amount is reached.
If you have epilepsy, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses.
Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.
How to take gabapentin tablets:
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you break a tablet into two pieces, use the second half as your next dose. After 28 days, discard any unused half tablets.
How to take gabapentin capsules:
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.
If swallowing the capsule is too difficult, the patient or a caregiver can carefully open it, sprinkle the contents into a small cup of water, juice, or apple sauce, and give the dose that way.
How to take the gabapentin oral solution:
Shake the closed bottle well before each use.
Measure the oral liquid with a syringe or medicine cup with millimeter markings. Gabapentin oral suspension usually comes with a 12 millimeter dosing syringe.
Remove the child-proof cap from the bottle.
Make sure the syringe adapter has been pushed into the bottle opening. If not, fully insert it into the bottle opening.
Push the syringe plunger all the way down to the tip.
Insert the syringe tip into the adapter.
Turn the bottle and syringe upside down.
Slowly draw out enough liquid to the correct milliliter mark.
Turn the bottle back to the upright position.
Remove the syringe and place the tip in the mouth.
Slowly empty the contents into the mouth and swallow.
Securely fasten the child-safety cap back on the bottle.
What to do if you miss a dose of Gabapentin
If you miss a dose of gabapentin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the next dose at its scheduled time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you are taking gabapentin for seizures, ask your doctor or pharmacist for directions on how to handle a missed dose.
Gabapentin contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not take gabapentin if you have had an allergic reaction to it.
Gabapentin warnings
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Before taking this drug, tell the prescribing doctor about:
Any history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts
Kidney problems or hemodialysis
Lung or breathing problems
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
This medicine can cause serious problems, such as:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Worsening of depression
Accidents or injuries due to sleepiness or dizziness
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in children
Severe or life-threatening allergic reactions
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Gabapentin interactions
Some medicines can affect how gabapentin works. Tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are taking.
Gabapentin should never be combined with the antidepressant bupropion or the GI stimulant metoclopramide.
Because gabapentin slows down the central nervous system and breathing, it should be used with caution with opioids.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, or sleeping pills.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking gabapentin.
Gabapentin side effects
Gabapentin can cause serious side effects. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself, or feeling depressed
Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or trouble breathing
Behavior problems, agitation, aggression, restlessness, trouble concentrating, or moodiness (especially in children)
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes
Problems with coordination, shakiness, unsteadiness, or unusual eye movement
Allergic reaction, such as itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
Severe skin reaction, such as blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
DRESS syndrome, which includes fever, skin rash, swollen neck glands, a change in how much or how often you urinate, or bloody or cloudy urine
Less serious side effects include:
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Weakness or lack of energy
Diarrhea
Sources:
Gabapentin suspension, DailyMed (2025)
Highlights of prescribing information, Pfizer (2022)
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