Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to prevent and control seizures, as well as treat certain types of nerve pain.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that treats seizures and nerve pain by binding to calcium channels in the nervous system.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX12
- Generic
- Gabapentin
- Class
- anticonvulsant
- Brands
- Neurontin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 6
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- drowsiness, renal-function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if essential for seizure control
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimestertaper gradually before delivery
discontinue or taper before delivery to prevent neonatal withdrawal
monitor for neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness and developmental changes
observe infant for sedation, poor feeding, and developmental delays
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce starting dose and adjust based on renal function
start at 100-300mg at bedtime, increase slowly due to increased sensitivity
monitor for falls, dizziness, and cognitive changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 3 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing, max 1800mg/day
approved for seizures; not for neuropathic pain in this age group
monitor behavior changes and developmental progress
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction required
reduce dose to 100-300mg every other day for CrCl <15; 100-300mg daily for CrCl 15-30
monitor renal function regularly and adjust dose accordingly
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required in hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Gabapentin (Neurontin) was approved by the FDA
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Gabapentin
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Gabapentin is FDA-approved for treating partial seizures (as adjunctive therapy), postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and restless leg syndrome. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for other neuropathic pain conditions, anxiety, insomnia, and migraine prevention.
Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This action reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters involved in pain signal transmission and seizure activity, ultimately decreasing neuronal hyperexcitability.
Gabapentin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination problems; avoid driving until you know how it affects you. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, as dosage adjustments may be necessary. It is not a controlled substance but has potential for misuse.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy