Gabapentin Enacarbil
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is a prescription medication used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is nerve pain that occurs after shingles. It is an extended-release prodrug of gabapentin that is converted to the active form in the body.
Horizant is a brand-name medication for restless legs syndrome and nerve pain from shingles.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1095698
- Generic
- Horizant
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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.
Horizant is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults, as well as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is persistent nerve pain following a shingles infection.
Horizant is a prodrug of gabapentin that is converted to its active form after oral administration. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to work by modulating calcium channels in the nervous system, reducing the excitability of neurons involved in pain signaling and RLS symptoms.
Horizant is an extended-release formulation and should not be interchangeable with other gabapentin products. It should be taken with food and swallowed whole. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and somnolence. Patients should not stop taking Horizant abruptly, as this may increase the risk of seizures. The medication may impair ability to drive or operate machinery until effects are understood.
Official drug label
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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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy