Gabapentin is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral capsule, an immediate-release oral tablet, an extended-release oral tablet, and an oral solution.
Gabapentin oral capsule is available as the brand-name drug Neurontin. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.
Why Gabapentin is Used
Gabapentin oral capsule is used to treat the following conditions:
Seizures: Gabapentin is used to treat partial (focal) seizures. It’s taken together with other seizure medications in adults and in children 3 years of age and older who have epilepsy.
Postherpetic neuralgia: This is pain from nerve damage caused by shingles, a painful rash that affects adults. Shingles appears after infection with the varicella zoster virus. This virus occurs in people who have had chicken pox.
Gabapentin may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other drugs.
Gabapentin Dosage for Adults
For adults, the gabapentin dosage can vary widely depending on the condition being treated. Upon starting treatment with gabapentin, the starting dose may be 100 to 300 mg per day and steadily increase until an effective dose is reached. The maximum dosage will depend on the condition being treated.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300-600 mg taken three times per day.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 1200 mg taken three times per day for a maximum daily dose of 3600 mg.
Gabapentin Dosage Chart for Adult
Indication
Age
Standard dosage
Maximum dosage
Partial seizures
12 years and older
300-600 mg three times per day
3600 mg per day
5-11 years
25-35 mg/kg (11.4-15.9 mg/lb) per day divided into three daily doses
50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) per day
3-4 years
40 mg/kg (18.2 mg/lb) per day divided into three daily doses
50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) per day
Postherpetic neuralgia
18 years and older
300 mg on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg three times daily on day 3; dosage may be further increased after day 3 to 600 mg three times per day
1800 mg per day
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
18 years and older
300-1200 mg three times per day (off-label)
3600 mg per day
Fibromyalgia
18 years and older
600 mg twice daily and 1200 mg at bedtime (off-label)
Gabapentin is a generic prescription drug that is FDA-approved as an add-on treatment with other medications for partial seizures in those with epilepsy.
It can also be used to treat nerve pain from postherpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles). Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for many other conditions, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and alcohol dependence.
Gabapentin is typically prescribed as a generic, but the drug is also available under the brand names Neurontin and Gralise. Some patients may be prescribed drugs very similar to gabapentin—such as Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) or Lyrica (pregabalin)—instead of gabapentin.
Gabapentin is taken as a tablet, capsule, or oral liquid. Dosing will depend on the condition being treated, age of the person being treated, and kidney function. The usual dose for epilepsy starts at 300 mg on the first day. The dose can then be increased until an effective dose is reached, which is usually 300 to 600mg taken three times per day.
Gabapentin dosage forms and strengths
Gabapentin is taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or oral solution.
Tablets: 600 or 800 mg per tablet
Capsules: 100, 300, or 400 mg per capsule
Liquid: 250 mg per 5 milliliters (ml) oral liquid
Gabapentin dosage for adults
For adults, the gabapentin dosage can vary widely depending on the condition being treated. Upon starting treatment with gabapentin, the starting dose may be 100 to 300 mg per day and steadily increase until an effective dose is reached. The maximum dosage will depend on the condition being treated.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300-600 mg taken three times per day.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 1200 mg taken three times per day for a maximum daily dose of 3600 mg.
Gabapentin dosage for children
Gabapentin is FDA approved as a secondary treatment for partial seizures in children 3 years or older with epilepsy. The use of gabapentin in children for any other medical condition is not FDA-approved. Dosing will be determined by both the child’s age and weight.
by both the child’s age and weight.
Gabapentin dosage by age for children older than 3 years
Age (yr)
Recommended dosage
3-4 yrs
40 mg per kg (18.2 mg/lb) of body weight divided into three dosesMaximum: 50 mg per kg (22.7 mg/lb) of body weight daily
5-11 yrs
20-35 mg per kg (9.1-15.9 mg/lb) of body weight divided into three dosesMaximum: 50 mg per kg (22.7 mg/lb) of body weight daily
12 yrs or older
300-600 mg taken three times per dayMaximum: 3600 mg per day
Gabapentin dosage chart
Indication
Age
Standard dosage
Maximum dosage
Partial seizures
12 years and older
300-600 mg three times per day
3600 mg per day
5-11 years
25-35 mg/kg (11.4-15.9 mg/lb) per day divided into three daily doses
50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) per day
3-4 years
40 mg/kg (18.2 mg/lb) per day divided into three daily doses
50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) per day
Postherpetic neuralgia
18 years and older
300 mg on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg three times daily on day 3; dosage may be further increased after day 3 to 600 mg three times per day
1800 mg per day
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
18 years and older
300-1200 mg three times per day (off-label)
3600 mg per day
Fibromyalgia
18 years and older
600 mg twice daily and 1200 mg at bedtime (off-label)
2400 mg per day
Alcohol dependence
18 years and older
300-600 mg three times per day (off-label)
1800 mg per day
Gabapentin dosage for partial seizures
Gabapentin is FDA approved as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults and children 3 years of age or older.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300 to 600 mg taken three times per day by mouth.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 3600 mg daily in three divided doses.
Renally impaired patients (kidney disease)—dose amount and dose frequency adjustment:
Creatinine clearance of 30-59 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg twice per day
Creatinine clearance of 16-29 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg once per day
Creatinine clearance of 15 ml/min or less: 100 to 300 mg once per day decreased proportionately (1/15 per whole number value) for each decrease in creatinine clearance
Hemodialysis: dose is dependent on estimated creatinine clearance; a supplemental dose of 125 to 350 mg is given after dialysis
Gabapentin dosage for nerve pain due to shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
Gabapentin is FDA approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia, that is, neuropathic pain due to shingles (herpes zoster).
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300 to 600 mg taken three times per day by mouth.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 1800 mg daily in three divided doses.
Renally impaired patients (kidney disease): See dosage for renal impaired patients above
Gabapentin dosage for neuropathic pain
Gabapentin is most frequently prescribed off-label to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) due to nerve damage (neuropathy), compression, or irritation.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300 to 1200 mg taken three times per day by mouth.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 3600 mg daily in three divided doses.
Renally impaired patients (kidney disease): See dosage for renal impaired patients above
Gabapentin dosage for fibromyalgia
Gabapentin is used off-label to reduce fatigue, provide pain relief, and improve sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 600 mg twice daily and 1200 mg at bedtime.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 2400 mg daily.
Renally impaired patients (kidney disease): See dosage for renal impaired patients above
Gabapentin dosage for alcohol dependence
Gabapentin is widely used off-label to reduce insomnia and cravings in people with alcohol use disorder, particularly those in the maintenance phase of alcohol abstinence.
Standard gabapentin dosage for adults: 300 to 600 mg taken three times per day by mouth.
Maximum gabapentin dosage for adults: 1800 mg daily in three divided doses.
Renally impaired patients (kidney disease): See dosage for renal impaired patients above
Gabapentin dosage for pets
You should not give gabapentin to animals unless a veterinarian has given the animal a prescription for gabapentin. Veterinarians frequently prescribe gabapentin to treat seizures or chronic nerve pain in pets and large animals. The recommended dose is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight (2.3-4.5 mg/lb) every 12 hours, but dosing will vary between veterinarians. Gabapentin dosages can vary from 3 to 11 mg per kilogram (1.4 to 5 mg per pound) as an analgesic to 10 to 30 mg mg per kilogram (4.5 to 13.6 per pound) as an anticonvulsant. As with people, the dose may start small and steadily increase until an effective dose is reached.
Gabapentin (brand name: Neurontin) is a generic prescription drug that is FDA-approved as an add-on treatment with other medications for partial seizures in those with epilepsy. It can also be used to treat nerve pain from postherpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles). Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for many other conditions, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and alcohol dependence.
Gabapentin is typically prescribed as a generic, but the drug is also available under the brand names Neurontin and Gralise. Some patients may be prescribed drugs very similar to gabapentin—such as Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) or Lyrica (pregabalin)—instead of gabapentin.
Gabapentin is taken as a tablet, capsule, or oral liquid. Dosing will depend on the condition being treated, age of the person being treated, and kidney function. The usual dose for epilepsy starts at 300 mg on the first day. The dose can then be increased until an effective dose is reached, which is usually 300 to 600mg taken three times per day.
Forms and Strengths
Gabapentin Forms and Strength
Generic: Gabapentin
Form: oral capsule
Strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Brand: Neurontin
Form: oral capsule
Strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Dosage for postherpetic neuralgia
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Typical starting dosage: Day 1, 300 mg; day 2, 600 mg (300 mg two times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day); day 3, 900 mg (300 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day). Your doctor may further increase your dosage after day 3.
Maximum dosage: 1,800 mg per day (600 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day)
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
Dosage for people younger than 18 years has not been established.
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your kidney function may decrease with age. Your body may get rid of this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. Your doctor may change your dose based on how well your kidneys are working.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Gabapentin (buy neurontin® online), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Dizziness and loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems concentrating, restlessness).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Gabapentin OVERDOSE
A lethal dose of gabapentin was not identified in mice and rats receiving single oral doses as high as 8000 mg/kg. Signs of acute toxicity in animals included ataxia, labored breathing, ptosis, sedation, hypoactivity, or excitation.
Acute oral overdoses of NEURONTIN up to 49 grams have been reported. In these cases, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy, and diarrhea were observed. All patients recovered with supportive care. Coma, resolving with dialysis, has been reported in patients with chronic renal failure who were treated with NEURONTIN.
Gabapentin can be removed by hemodialysis. Although hemodialysis has not been performed in the few overdose cases reported, it may be indicated by the patient’s clinical state or in patients with significant renal impairment.
If overexposure occurs, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Gabapentin may interact with other medications
Gabapentin oral capsule can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
Below is a list of medications that can interact with gabapentin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Pain drugs
When used with gabapentin, certain pain drugs can increase its side effects, such as tiredness. Examples of these drugs include:
morphine
Stomach acid drugs
When used with gabapentin, certain drugs used to treat stomach acid problems can reduce the amount of gabapentin in your body. This can make it less effective. Taking gabapentin 2 hours after taking these drugs can help prevent this problem. Examples of these drugs include:
aluminum hydroxide
magnesium hydroxide
Important considerations for taking gabapentin
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes gabapentin oral capsule for you.
General
Gabapentin oral capsules can be taken with or without food. Taking them with food can help to reduce upset stomach.
Storage
Store gabapentin at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Refills
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
When traveling with your medication:
Always carry your medication with you, such as in your carry-on bag.
Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Be sure to carry with you the prescription-labeled box that your medication came in.
Do not put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
Clinical monitoring
Your doctor will monitor your kidney function.
Insurance
Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for gabapentin. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.
Are there any alternatives?
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
