What is the medication called gabapentin used for?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2022 report, gabapentin was among the 10 most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., with a significant percentage of prescriptions for off-label purposes. In addition to its FDA-approved uses for seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, many wonder: what is the medication called gabapentin used for beyond its primary indications?

Quick Summary

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to control certain seizures and manage nerve pain from shingles, also known as postherpetic neuralgia. An extended-release version treats restless legs syndrome.

Key Points

Anticonvulsant Action: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant primarily used to manage certain types of partial seizures in both adults and children.
Relieves Nerve Pain: It is an effective treatment for postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent nerve pain that can occur after a shingles infection.
Treats Restless Legs Syndrome: An extended-release form, Horizant, is specifically approved for treating moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome.
Used Off-Label: Gabapentin is widely prescribed for off-label uses, including diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal management.
Requires Medical Supervision: Never stop taking gabapentin abruptly, as it can increase seizure frequency; always follow a doctor's instructions for tapering the dose.
Notable Side Effects: Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and swelling, while serious reactions like mood changes or severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Pharmacokinetic Differences: Unlike the more predictably absorbed pregabalin, gabapentin's absorption decreases at higher doses, a factor considered in dosing strategies.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication categorized as an anticonvulsant. While its structure resembles the neurotransmitter GABA, gabapentin's mechanism involves modulating voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system to reduce nerve cell overactivity. This action helps decrease abnormal electrical signals in the brain and affects pain pathways. It is available in various oral forms, including capsules, tablets, solution, and extended-release tablets with brand names like Gralise and Horizant.

FDA-Approved Uses for Gabapentin

Partial Seizures

Initially, gabapentin was approved as an add-on therapy for managing partial-onset seizures in individuals with epilepsy aged 3 and older. It helps by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Gabapentin is FDA-approved for treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults. PHN is persistent nerve pain that can follow a shingles infection. The medication alters how the body perceives these pain signals.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

An extended-release formulation, Horizant, is approved for treating moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome in adults. RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them, often at night.

Common Off-Label Uses

Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label, sometimes to reduce reliance on opioids. These uses are based on clinical experience and studies, although they are not FDA-approved for these specific indications. Common off-label applications may include diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, hot flashes, and various types of chronic pain. You can find more information about these off-label uses on {Link: Consensus consensus.app}.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and unsteadiness. Less common but more serious side effects can include allergic reactions, mood changes (including suicidal thoughts), severe weakness, unusual bruising, and a rare condition called DRESS syndrome. Abruptly stopping gabapentin is not recommended, especially for epilepsy patients, as it can worsen seizures. A gradual tapering off the medication is necessary under medical guidance. Dose adjustments are required for individuals with kidney issues.

Gabapentin vs. Pregabalin: A Comparison

Both gabapentin and pregabalin are gabapentinoids that act similarly, but they have differences that may influence treatment choice.


Feature	Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant)	Pregabalin (Lyrica)
FDA-Approved Uses	Partial seizures (adjunctive), postherpetic neuralgia, restless legs syndrome (extended-release).	Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury.
Bioavailability	Variable; decreases with increasing dose.	Predictable and linear; consistent at higher doses.
Dosing Frequency	Typically three times daily for immediate-release; some extended-release are once daily.	Usually two to three times daily.
Onset of Action	Generally slower onset and dose titration.	Faster onset and quicker dose titration.
Cost	Less expensive, available generically.	More expensive, generic available but often higher tiered by insurers.
Controlled Status	Generally not federally controlled (some states list it as Schedule V).	Federally designated Schedule V controlled substance.

Conclusion

Gabapentin is a widely prescribed anticonvulsant primarily used for epilepsy and nerve pain from shingles. Its mechanism of modulating nerve signals makes it useful for conditions like restless legs syndrome and various off-label uses such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and alcohol withdrawal. Medical supervision is essential due to potential side effects and risks of sudden cessation. Discuss with your doctor if you have questions about gabapentin. More information is available on the official {Link: MedlinePlus medlineplus.gov}.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both are gabapentinoids used for similar conditions, pregabalin has more predictable absorption and is federally controlled, whereas gabapentin's absorption decreases with higher doses and is controlled in some states but not federally.

No, gabapentin is primarily effective for nerve-related (neuropathic) pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia. It is not typically used for common pain from minor injuries or arthritis.

Yes, gabapentin is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders, and some studies suggest it may help. However, the evidence is not as robust as for its FDA-approved uses, and more research is needed.

For immediate-release forms (capsules, tablets), gabapentin can be taken with or without food. Extended-release products like Horizant, used for restless legs syndrome, should be taken with food.

The most common side effects include drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, and unsteadiness. Many of these are mild and may subside over time.

No, it is not safe to stop abruptly, especially for epilepsy patients. Sudden discontinuation can increase the risk of more frequent seizures and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and sweating. A doctor must oversee a gradual tapering process.

Yes, gabapentin is sometimes used off-label for the management of alcohol withdrawal, as studies have shown it can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and support abstinence.

One important interaction is with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta), which can interfere with absorption. Patients should take these at least two hours apart from gabapentin.