How much is a prescription of 100 mg gabapentin?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 64 million prescriptions for gabapentin were dispensed in the United States in 2016 [1.9.2]. But how much is a prescription of 100 mg gabapentin? The price can vary significantly, often costing as little as $7.20 for 90 capsules [1.2.2].

Quick Summary

The cost for a 100 mg gabapentin prescription varies based on pharmacy, location, and insurance. Generic versions are highly affordable, while brand names cost more. Savings are possible through discount cards and patient assistance programs.

Key Points

Price Varies Greatly: The cost of 100 mg gabapentin depends on the pharmacy, location, insurance, and whether it's brand or generic [1.3.1].
Generic is Cheaper: Generic gabapentin is significantly more affordable than the brand-name version, Neurontin, often costing under $10 for a supply [1.2.1, 1.6.1].
Discount Cards Offer Savings: Using prescription discount cards like GoodRx can reduce the price of generic gabapentin to as little as $2.00 for common versions [1.2.4].
Primary Uses: Gabapentin is FDA-approved for treating nerve pain from shingles and for controlling epileptic seizures [1.4.1, 1.4.5].
Widespread Off-Label Use: Up to 95% of gabapentin prescriptions are for off-label uses like anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetic neuropathy [1.9.2].
Consult a Doctor Before Stopping: Suddenly stopping gabapentin can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. A doctor should supervise tapering the dose [1.10.2].
Patient Assistance is Available: Programs from drug manufacturers and non-profits can help eligible patients afford their medication [1.5.4, 1.8.1].

Understanding Gabapentin

Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is an anticonvulsant medication [1.4.1]. It is primarily used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain [1.4.2]. In cases of epilepsy, it works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain to prevent seizures [1.4.2]. For nerve pain, such as that caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), it is thought to block pain signals traveling through the brain and down the spine [1.4.2, 1.4.4]. It's important to note that gabapentin is not a conventional painkiller and may not be effective for acute pain from minor injuries or arthritis [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. The medication is available by prescription only and comes in several forms, including capsules, tablets, and a liquid solution [1.4.1].

Approved and Off-Label Uses

Gabapentin is officially approved by the FDA for treating postherpetic neuralgia and as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults and children [1.4.5, 1.11.3]. However, a significant portion of its use—up to 95% of prescriptions—is for off-label indications [1.9.2].

Common Off-Label Uses Include:

Diabetic neuropathy [1.9.1]
Fibromyalgia [1.9.2]
Anxiety disorders [1.11.1]
Alcohol dependence [1.9.2]
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) [1.9.2]
Migraine prophylaxis [1.9.2]
Hot flashes [1.9.2]

The evidence supporting these off-label uses varies, with some studies showing modest benefits while others find insufficient evidence [1.9.1, 1.9.4].

Factors Influencing the Cost of 100 mg Gabapentin

The price you pay for a prescription of 100 mg gabapentin is not fixed. Several key factors can significantly alter the final cost:

Brand vs. Generic: Generic gabapentin is substantially cheaper than its brand-name counterparts like Neurontin [1.6.1]. Generic drugs can cost up to 85% less than brand-name versions [1.5.4].
Insurance Coverage: Your health insurance plan's formulary determines your out-of-pocket cost. Copays for generic gabapentin can be as low as $5 to $15, whereas brand-name versions can have copays from $30 to $50 [1.6.1].
Pharmacy and Location: Prices vary between different pharmacies, even within the same neighborhood [1.3.1]. Retail prices can also differ by geographic location across the country [1.3.1].
Dosage Form and Quantity: The form (capsule, tablet, liquid) and the number of pills in your prescription will affect the total price [1.3.1]. For instance, capsules often cost less than tablets of the same dose [1.3.1].
Discount Cards and Coupons: Using prescription discount cards or coupons from services like GoodRx or SingleCare can dramatically lower the cash price, sometimes making it cheaper than an insurance copay [1.2.4, 1.5.3].

Without insurance, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of generic gabapentin can range from $10 to $50, while brand-name versions can cost hundreds of dollars [1.3.3, 1.6.1]. For a 90-capsule supply of 100 mg generic gabapentin, prices can be as low as $7.20 to $8.10 with a discount card [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Comparison Table: Brand vs. Generic Gabapentin


Feature	Generic Gabapentin	Brand-Name Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Average Cost (without insurance)	$10 - $50 for a 30-day supply [1.3.3]	Up to $782 for 90, 300 mg capsules [1.6.5]
Active Ingredient	Gabapentin	Gabapentin
FDA Approval	Must meet the same standards for safety and effectiveness as the brand [1.5.4]	Original drug approved by the FDA [1.9.2]
Insurance Coverage	Widely covered by most insurance plans [1.2.4]	May be in a higher-cost tier or require prior authorization [1.7.1]
Appearance	May differ in color, shape, and size	Consistent appearance

How to Save on Your Gabapentin Prescription

If you're looking to reduce the cost of your medication, consider these strategies:

Always Ask for the Generic Version: The generic is significantly cheaper and just as effective [1.6.4].
Use a Prescription Discount Card: Services like GoodRx, RxSaver, and SingleCare offer free coupons that can lower the price substantially [1.2.4, 1.5.3].
Compare Pharmacy Prices: Check prices at different local pharmacies, including big-box stores and supermarkets, as costs can vary widely [1.3.1, 1.2.4].
Inquire About Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Many pharmaceutical companies offer programs for those who cannot afford their medication. Websites like NeedyMeds and the Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) can help you find them [1.5.4, 1.8.2].
Consider a 90-Day Supply: If you take gabapentin long-term, buying in bulk may reduce the overall cost and number of trips to the pharmacy [1.5.2].
Talk to Your Doctor: Your doctor might have free samples or be able to suggest a more affordable alternative that works for your condition [1.5.4].

Potential Side Effects and Risks

While generally safe, gabapentin can cause side effects. The most common are drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. These effects are usually mild and may lessen over time [1.4.2].

More serious side effects can occur, including:

Changes in mood or behavior, such as increased anxiety or suicidal thoughts [1.4.1].
Severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, or swelling of the face and throat [1.4.1].
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression), especially when combined with opioids or other CNS depressants [1.4.5].

It is critical not to stop taking gabapentin suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and even seizures [1.4.5, 1.10.2]. Always consult your healthcare provider to create a plan for slowly tapering off the medication [1.10.4].

Conclusion

The question of 'How much is a prescription of 100 mg gabapentin?' has a variable answer. While the retail price without insurance can be high for brand-name versions, generic gabapentin is widely available and very affordable. By utilizing prescription discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, and opting for generic versions, patients can secure a 90-capsule supply for under $10 in many cases [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. Understanding the factors that affect drug pricing and proactively seeking out savings opportunities are key to managing medication costs effectively. Always discuss treatment options, costs, and potential side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure you are on the best plan for your health and budget.

For more information on patient assistance programs, you can visit Pfizer RxPathways [1.8.2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of generic 100 mg gabapentin can range from $10 to $50, but prices can be as low as a few dollars with a discount card [1.3.3, 1.2.4].

Both contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective [1.6.4]. The primary differences are the price—generic is much cheaper—and their appearance (color, shape) [1.6.1].

No, gabapentin is not available over the counter. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare provider to purchase it [1.5.3].

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat nerve pain (like from shingles) and to help control seizures in people with epilepsy [1.4.2].

To find the lowest price, ask for the generic version, use a prescription discount app like GoodRx to compare prices at local pharmacies, and ask your doctor about 90-day supplies [1.5.3, 1.5.2].

The most common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue [1.4.5]. These are typically mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication [1.4.2].

No, you should not stop taking gabapentin abruptly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Always talk to your doctor to create a plan to reduce your dose gradually [1.10.4, 1.4.5].