Gabapentin Off-Label Usages

Is gabapentin safe for dogs?

Gabapentin is safe for dogs and is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat seizures, pain, and anxiety in dogs. It has a low risk of side effects.

What is gabapentin used for in dogs?

Gabapentin can treat and reduce the frequency of seizures and is commonly used as an anticonvulsant to treat or prevent seizures in dogs.

Gabapentin may also be used to provide pain relief for dogs, particularly when other medications have proved ineffective or are not well tolerated. It may be used to treat pain associated with cancer, arthritis, or intervertebral disk disease.

Gabapentin is commonly used as a mild sedative to treat situational anxiety, for example, just before a vet visit.

Using gabapentin in pets is considered “off-label” which means it is not an FDA-approved indication in pets.

How does gabapentin work in dogs?

Experts aren’t sure exactly how gabapentin works to relieve seizures, pain, or anxiety but it is thought to inhibit the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Gabapentin resembles a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), which is involved with the transmission of nerve signals within the brain and spinal cord.

How much gabapentin should I give my dog?

Dosages of gabapentin for dogs can vary, but usually, gabapentin is dosed at 5 to 30 mg/kg (or 2.2 to 13.6mg/lb) up to three times daily.

**Dosage Chart of Gabapentin For Dogs (Low-Dose**)
Dog’s weight	Low dose (5mg/kg)
5kg	25mg
7.5kg	37.5mg
10kg	50mg
12.5kg	62.5mg
15kg	75mg
17.5kg	87.5mg
20kg	100mg
25kg	125mg
30kg	150mg
40kg	200mg
50kg	250mg
60kg	300mg

**Dosage Chart of Gabapentin For Dogs (High-Dose)**
Dog’s weight	High-dose (30mg/kg)
5kg	150mg
7.5kg	225mg
10kg	300mg
12.5kg	375mg
15kg	450mg
17.5kg	525mg
20kg	600mg
25kg	750mg
30kg	900mg
40kg	1200mg
50kg	1500mg
60kg	1800mg

Gabapentin can also be given before an anticipated stressful event, such as a veterinary visit, at a dose of 30-60 mg/kg one to two hours before the event.

How long does gabapentin take to work?

Gabapentin is quick acting, and an effect should be noticed one to two hours after administration. However, when gabapentin is used to treat pain, a low dosage is started initially, which is then titrated up slowly, which means it may take longer to see an effect. While your vet is titrating up the dosage, they will be using other medications to keep your dog comfortable until the gabapentin is working. When used to treat seizures gabapentin may take a few weeks to reduce seizure frequency.

The effects of gabapentin wear off quickly unless the dog has kidney or liver disease. This is why it is usually given three times a day.

How long can a dog stay on gabapentin?

There is no maximum time for a dog to remain on gabapentin. Some older dogs will stay on it for the rest of their life as part of a management plan for arthritis.

What are the side effects of giving a dog gabapentin?

The most common side effect of gabapentin in dogs is drowsiness, which can be managed by starting with a low dosage of gabapentin and increasing it slowly. Most dogs become tolerant of this side effect with continued dosing.

When starting gabapentin your dog may also seem a little uncoordinated initially, but this should also resolve with continued dosing. Rarely, a dog may be allergic to gabapentin and they may have a reaction which is a sign to avoid giving gabapentin to your dog in the future.

Xylitol is used to sweeten commercially prepared gabapentin oral suspension and this can be toxic to dogs. Low-to-moderate dosages of gabapentin oral suspension are unlikely to contain enough xylitol to be problematic for dogs but higher dosages, such as those used for seizures, might. This can be avoided by having liquid formulations compounded rather than using the commercially available oral suspension.

How does gabapentin make a dog feel?

Gabapentin makes your dog feel a little sleepy and possibly a little uncoordinated initially. They should become tolerant to these effects within a few days, especially if the dosage is started low and titrated up slowly.

Does gabapentin make dogs sleepy?

Yes, gabapentin can make your dog sleepy initially but by starting with a small dose and gradually titrating it upwards, your dog should become tolerant to this effect.

Can gabapentin cause diarrhea or constipation in dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation is not a common side effect of gabapentin unless it is being used at high dosages. If your dog develops any of these side effects, call your veterinarian.

Can gabapentin cause hind leg weakness in dogs?

Hind leg weakness may be a sign of incoordination in dogs, usually associated with too high a dose of gabapentin. If your dog has been on gabapentin a long time and this happens, tell your veterinarian. As pets age, their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing gabapentin and side effects, such as incoordination may reappear again, especially hind leg weakness. Usually reducing the dosage helps resolve this.

Can I overdose my dog on gabapentin?

Although gabapentin is generally well tolerated in dogs, like any medication, you can give too much of it. Always follow your vet’s instructions and never try to increase the dosage yourself without their advice.

Symptoms of an overdose of gabapentin in dogs include diarrhea, extreme sleepiness, lethargy, and incoordination; however, an overdose is not usually fatal. Seek veterinary advice immediately.

Do dogs need to be weaned off gabapentin?

If gabapentin is being used to treat seizures in dogs then it should be tapered off slowly over a couple of weeks after long-term use and not abruptly discontinued because it can precipitate seizures.

What can I give my dog instead of gabapentin?

Gabapentin is commonly used to treat nerve pain in dogs but there may be times when a dog does not tolerate it or it no longer effectively treats the pain. Other treatments that may be effective for nerve pain in dogs include:

Pregabalin (Lyrica): this works similarly to gabapentin but it lasts longer which means it only needs to be given twice a day and it is more effective at a lower dosage
Amantadine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the spinal cord and may improve your dog’s mobility when used in addition to NSAIDs

Other possible treatments that require more research include amitriptyline and venlafaxine.

Gabapentin is Used to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is FDA approved to treat epilepsy and a type of nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia).

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome

In most cases, doctors do not know the cause of restless legs syndrome; however, they suspect that genes play a role. Nearly half of people with RLS also have a family member with the condition.

Other factors associated with the development or worsening of restless legs syndrome include:

Chronic diseases. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure,diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions often gives some relief from RLS symptoms.
Medications. Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergymedications containing sedating antihistamines, may worsen symptoms.
Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery.

Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger symptoms or make them worse. Improving sleep or eliminating alcohol use in these cases may relieve symptoms.

Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

Treatment for RLS is targeted at easing symptoms. In people with mild to moderate restless legs syndrome, lifestyle changes, such as beginning a regular exercise program, establishing regular sleep patterns, and eliminating or decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, may be helpful. Treatment of an RLS-associated condition also may provide relief of symptoms.

Other non-drug RLS treatments may include:

Leg massages
Hot baths or heating pads or ice packs applied to the legs
Good sleep habits
A vibrating pad called Relaxis
Medications may be helpful as RLS treatments, but the same drugs are not helpful for everyone. In fact, a drug that relieves symptoms in one person may worsen them in another. In other cases, a drug that works for a while may lose its effectiveness over time.

Drugs used to treat RLS include:

Dopaminergic drugs, which act on the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.
Mirapex, Neupro, and Requip are FDA-approved for treatment of moderate to severe RLS. Others, such as levodopa, may also be prescribed.
Benzodiazepines, a class of sedative medications, may be used to help with sleep, but they can cause daytime drowsiness.
Narcotic pain relievers may be used for severe pain.
Anticonvulsants, or antiseizure drugs, such as Tegretol, Lyrica, Gabapentin ( Neurontin ), and Horizant.

Although there is no cure for restless legs syndrome, current treatments can help control the condition, decrease symptoms, and improve sleep.

Usual Adult Dose for Restless Legs Syndrome

Gabapentin enacarbil available under the trade name Horizant (R):
600 mg orally once daily with food at about 5 PM

Gabapentin is Used to Treat Nerve Pain

Gabapentin is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.

Gabapentin is also used to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that occurs after shingles.

Gabapentin works in the brain to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

- - Capsule
  - Tablet
  - Solution
  - Suspension

Nerve pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, includingcancer, HIV, diabetes, and shingles.

For some, nerve pain is frustrating; for others, nerve pain is devastating and life-changing.

Whether it feels like burning, pinpricks, or sudden shocks of electricity, nerve pain can disrupt your life at home and at work. It can limit your ability to get around. Over time, it can grind you down. Studies show that people with nerve pain have higher rates of sleep problems,anxiety, and depression.Your nervous system is involved in everything your body does, from regulating your breathing to controlling your muscles and sensing heat and cold.

There are three types of nerves in the body:

Autonomic nerves. These nerves control the involuntary or partially voluntary activities of your body, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Motor nerves. These nerves control your movements and actions by passing information from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles.
Sensory nerves. These nerves relay information from your skin and muscles back to your spinal cord and brain. The information is then processed to let you feel pain and other sensations.

Because nerves are essential to all you do, nerve pain and damage can seriously affect your quality of life.

When you have a serious medical condition such as cancer or HIV, dealing with the additional misery of nerve pain can be especially hard. But there is good news. While nerve pain can’t always be cured, it can be treated — and there are a lot of good options available.

Experts believe that 40 million Americans are living with nerve pain. The impact of nerve pain is tremendous. Both the costs to the healthcare system as well as loss of wages and productivity are staggering.

How Are Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage Treated?

In many instances, nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.

Often, the first goal of treatment is to address the underlying condition that’s causing your nerve pain or nerve damage. This may mean:

Regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes
Correcting nutritional deficiencies
Changing medications when drugs are causing nerve damage
Physical therapy or surgery to address compression or trauma to nerves
Medications to treat autoimmune conditions

Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medications aimed at minimizing the nerve pain you are feeling. These may include:

Pain relievers
Tricyclic antidepressants
Certain anti-seizure drugs – Gabapentin

Complementary and alternative approaches may also help alleviate your nerve pain and discomfort. These include:

Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Hypnosis
Meditation

How do Gabapentin Products Work for Nerve Pain?

We don’t know exactly how gabapentin works to relieve nerve pain.

The structure of gabapentin is similar to a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down nerve activity and relaxes the body. This may be how gabapentin relieves nerve pain.

What are the dosages for Horizant and Gralise?

Horizant and Gralise are dosed differently, and it’s important to know that Horizant, Gralise, and IR gabapentin aren’t interchangeable. For example, taking 600 mg of Horizant is not the same as taking 600 mg of Gralise or 600 mg of IR gabapentin.

Keep in mind: You may experience withdrawal side effects like headache, nausea, and diarrhea if you stop one of these medications abruptly. Stopping them too quickly can also lead to seizures. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to slowly lower your dose of these medications if necessary.

Horizant

When Horizant is taken for postherpetic neuralgia, the typical starting dose is 600 mg every morning with food for 3 days. Then, the dose is usually increased to 600 mg twice daily with food.

If Horizant is prescribed for RLS, the usual dose is 600 mg once daily at around 5PM with food.

Gralise

For postherpetic neuralgia, your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of Gralise (300 mg) and slowly raise the dose over the course of 2 weeks or more (up to 1,800 mg). Gralise comes as a “starter pack” that contains a dose titration guide to help you with the initial dosage schedule.

Regardless of your dose, Gralise is taken once a day with the evening meal.

How effective are Horizant and Gralise at treating nerve pain?

Clinical studies have shown that Horizant and Gralise effectively treat nerve pain. We’ll take a look at how well they work for their FDA-approved uses below.

Postherpetic neuralgia

Clinical trials compared various doses of Horizant with placebo (a pill with nothing in it). After 12 weeks of treatment, over 300 people rated their pain. All Horizant doses were more effective at improving pain than placebo. And a 1,200 mg dose of Horizant was just as effective as higher doses.

Another clinical trial looked at over 450 people taking Gralise 1,800 mg daily or a placebo pill for 8 weeks. People taking Gralise had more improvement in pain than the people taking a placebo.

We don’t have much research that compares Horizant and Gralise for postherpetic neuralgia. But it’s been found that Horizant leads to more steady gabapentin levels in the body over the course of a day. And Horizant generally requires a lower daily dose (600 mg to 1,200 mg of Horizant versus 1,800 mg of Gralise). This could potentially minimize side effects.

RLS

Horizant was studied for RLS treatment in two 12-week clinical trials. Both Horizant 600 mg and 1,200 mg were studied. Both doses were better than placebo at relieving symptoms of RLS.

Other types of pain

There’s not much research on Horizant and Gralise for other types of pain. While some small studies of Gralise have found that it may be effective for other types of pain, they were small studies and they didn’t have the best study design.

However, another study looking at Gralise for nerve pain from diabetes found that it did reduce pain. This was a slightly larger study of close to 150 people. And it was a randomized controlled trial (the best type of study to look for cause and effect).

Keep in mind: IR gabapentin is recommended as a first-choice treatment for some types of nerve pain, such as diabetic nerve pain. But how well it works for other types of pain is unclear. It also hasn’t been shown to be the best option for types of chronic pain, including back pain.

Is Gabapentin ( Neurontin ) Addictive and How to Treat Gabapentin Addiction ?

Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.

Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is a prescription painkiller belonging to its own drug class, Gabapentinoids. It is considered an anti-convulsant, and is most commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, and neuropathic pain. It is often used as a less-addictive alternative to opioids; however, Gabapentin addiction and abuse still occur in many patients.

Gabapentin has a similar chemical structure to Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain chemical which affects the body’s nervous system. It can produce feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can help with nerve pain, anxiety, and even poor sleep.

Gabapentin is prescribed to treat nerve pain, alcohol and cocaine withdrawals, restless leg syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and seizures. It works by altering one’s calcium channels to reduce seizures and ease nerve pain. Some brand names of Gabapentin are Neurontin and Gralise. The drug’s known street names are “gabbies” or “johnnies.”

Dosages of Gabapentin

Adult and pediatric dosages:

Capsule

- - 100 mg
  - 300 mg
  - 400 mg

Tablet

- - 300 mg (Gralise)
  - 600 mg (Gralise, Neurontin)
  - 800 mg (Neurontin)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Reducing the dose, discontinuing the drug, or substituting an alternative medication should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week or longer.

Geritric dosing considerations:

Renal impairment is present, gabapentin dose reduction may be required, depending on renal function.

Partial Seizures

Neurontin

Adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization.

Initial: 300 mg orally every 8 hours.

May increase up to 600 mg orally every 8 hours; up to 2400 mg/day administered and tolerated in clinical studies; up to 3600 mg administered for short duration and tolerated

Post herpetic Neuralgia

Neurontin

Day 1: 300 mg orally once per day.

Day 2: 300 mg orally every 12 hours.

Day 3: 300 mg orally every 8 hours.

Maintenance: Subsequently titrate as needed up to 600 mg orally every 8 hours; doses greater than 1800 mg/day have demonstrated no additional benefit.

Gralise

Dose gradually to 1800 mg/day orally; take once a day with evening meal.

Day 1: 300 mg orally once a day.

Day 2: 600 mg orally once a day.

Days 3-6: 900 mg orally once a day.

Days 7-10: 1200 mg orally once a day.

Days 11-14: 1500 mg orally once a day.

Day 15 and after (maintenance): 1800 mg orally once a day.

Dosing considerations:

Gralise tablets swell in gastric fluid and gradually release gabapentin. Swallow Gralise tablets whole; do not cut, crush, or chew them.

Dosing Modifications:

Renal impairment (Neurontin)

Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min: 300-1200 mg orally twice daily

Creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min: 200-700 mg every 12 hours

Creatinine clearance 15-29 mL/min: 200-700 mg once per day

Creatinine clearance less than 15 mL/min: 100-300 mg once per day

Hemodialysis (Creatinine clearance less than 15 mL/min):

Administer supplemental dose (range 125-350 mg) post hemodialysis, after each 4 hour dialysis interval; further dose reduction should be in proportion to Creatinine clearance (a Creatinine clearance of 7.5 mL/min should receive one-half daily post hemodialysis dose)

Renal impairment (Gralise):

Creatinine clearance is greater than or equal to 60 mL/min: 1800 mg daily with evening meal

Creatinine clearance 30-59 mL/min: 600-1800 mg daily with evening meal

Creatinine clearance greater than 30 mL/min or hemodialysis: Do not administer

In addition its potentially addictive nature, Gabapentin can cause suicidal thoughts, moods swings, and abrupt changes in a user’s behavior. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, fever, sleep problems, appetite changes, and chest pain.

Gabapentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- - drowsiness
  - tiredness or weakness
  - dizziness
  - headache
  - uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
  - double or blurred vision
  - unsteadiness
  - anxiety
  - memory problems
  - strange or unusual thoughts
  - unwanted eye movements
  - nausea
  - vomiting
  - heartburn
  - diarrhea
  - dry mouth
  - constipation
  - increased appetite
  - weight gain
  - swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  - back or joint pain
  - fever
  - runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
  - ear pain
  - red, itchy eyes (sometimes with swelling or discharge)

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

- - rash
  - itching
  - swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
  - hoarseness
  - difficulty swallowing or breathing
  - seizures
  - difficulty breathing; bluish-tinged skin, lips, or fingernails; confusion; or extreme sleepiness

Gabapentin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Gabapentin Abuse

Gabapentin abuse tends to occur in people who already have an addiction to opioids or other drugs. The effects of Gabapentin intoxication have been described as a sense of calm, euphoria, and a high similar to marijuana.

A 2013 study in Kentucky found that of the 503 participants reporting illegal drug use, 15% reported using Gabapentin in addition to other drugs to get high in the previous six months. Another study, working with a sample of participants meant to represent the national population, found almost a quarter of patients with co-prescriptions of opioids and Gabapentin were getting more than three times their prescribed amount to supply their addiction. People using the drug without a prescription is a growing problem in many areas. Due to the drug’s legal status, this is difficult to address from a policing standpoint. States where Gabapentin abuse is becoming more common are beginning to classify the drug as a more strictly controlled substance.

Signs of a Gabapentin Overdose

Effects of excessive Gabapentin use include:

- - Drowsiness
  - Coordination problems
  - Tremors
  - Dizziness
  - Depression
  - Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
  - Changes in mood
  - Dizziness
  - Poor coordination
  - Forgetfulness
  - Anxiety
  - Difficulty speaking
  - Inability to feel pleasure

It is important to try to recognize these symptoms and to be wary of other red flags, such as the presence or abundance of pill bottles. These effects can be detrimental to one’s health, livelihood, and overall safety.

Many Gabapentin users in early recovery abuse Gabapentin because at high doses (800mg or more), they may experience a euphoric-like high that does not show up on drug screens. Gabapentin abusers typically take the drug in addition to opioids to produce their desired high, a dangerous and potentially deadly combination. It is possible to fatally overdose on Gabapentin, both on its own or in conjunction with other drugs. However, there is currently no antidote that can be administered to someone in the case of a Gabapentin overdose as there is with opioid overdoses. If you find a loved one showing signs of an overdose–drowsiness, muscle weakness, lethargy and drooping eyelids, diarrhea, and sedation—seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of Gabapentin Addiction

- - Lying about or exaggerating symptoms to doctors
  - Seeking out multiple doctors to get extra doses
  - Switching doctors after the original doctor refuses to continue prescribing the medication
  - Changes in social habits and/or circles
  - Changes in personal hygiene and grooming habits
  - Constant preoccupation with the drug
  - Unease at the thought of the drug being unavailable
  - Refusal to quit despite social, financial, or legal consequences
  - Failed attempts to quit

Treating a Gabapentin Addiction

Frequent and excessive use of Gabapentin can lead to a physical and psychological dependence on the drug. This is when someone becomes so accustomed to taking a drug that they need it to feel and function normally. Quitting a drug like Gabapentin cold turkey can be dangerous and induce several withdrawal symptoms of varying severity.

These include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating. Quitting also increases one’s likelihood of having a seizure which can lead to personal injury or the development of medical problems and life-threatening emergencies. Trying to quit should be done at a rehab facility or with the guidance and supervision of a professional during a medical detox.

Gabapentin Dosage Chart, Gabapentin Dosage for Adults and Gabapentin Dosage for Children

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:
1. Creatinine clearance of 30-59 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg twice per day
2. Creatinine clearance of 16-29 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg once per day
3. 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
4. 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.

What Diseases Gabapentin can treat ?

Gabapentin was developed to treat epilepsy, but it is now used to treat various forms of chronic pain. It works by reducing the number of signals sent through the nerves. If the signals are reduced then the pain will be reduced. Research has shown that Gabapentin can help in treating various types of nerve pain.

Some Research Team performed searches to look for clinical trials where gabapentin was used to treat neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. They found that 5633 participants had been involved in 37 studies of reasonable quality. They tested gabapentin against placebo for four weeks or more. Studies lasting only one or two weeks are unhelpful when pain can last for years.

Neuropathic pain is pain coming from damaged nerves. It differs from pain messages carried along healthy nerves from damaged tissue (a fall, cut, or arthritic knee). Neuropathic pain is treated by different medicines than pain from damagedtissue.

Medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen are not effective in neuropathic pain, while medicines that are sometimes used to treat depression or epilepsy can be very effective in some people with neuropathic pain. Our understanding of fibromyalgia (a condition of persistent, widespread pain and tenderness, sleep problems, and fatigue) is poor, but fibromyalgia can respond to the same medicines as neuropathic pain.

Gabapentin and Fioricet are not recommended for a long term use. If you want to reduce your pain for a long time purpose, we suggest you to take some anti-aging products and natural Pain relief products.

By drus.com, Gabapentin Can be used for a lot of Nerve Pain related health conditions. including Cough, Hot Flashes, Alcohol Withdrawal, Anxiety 161 reviews, Bipolar Disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Postherpetic Neuralgia, Migraine, Insomnia， Occipital Neuralgia， Peripheral Neuropathy，Vulvodynia, Benign Essential Tremor, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Pain Relief, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy , Neuropathic Pain，Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome，Periodic Limb Movement Disorder， Spondylolisthesis， Burning Mouth Syndrome，Pudendal Neuralgia， Small Fiber Neuropathy.

A lot of Patients use Gabapentin (Neurontin) to treat Hot Flashes, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Migraine, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathic Pain. Fe patients use gabapentin to treat Pruritus, Cough, Occipital Neuralgia, Benign Essential Tremor, ement Disorder, Spondylolisthesis, Burning Mouth Syndrome, Pudendal Neuralgia, Small Fiber Neuropathy.

What interactions do Horizant and Gralise have?

Horizant and Gralise may interact with certain medications. Most notably, gabapentin can be dangerous when combined with other sedating medications and substances. As discussed above, this includes opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. In fact, some opioids can increase the levels of Gralise in the body, and alcohol can increase levels of Horizant.

It’s also best to avoid sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien) and even over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) while taking Horizant or Gralise.

Can I drink alcohol while taking gabapentin?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with gabapentin, but it may make you feel sleepy or tired.

During the first few days of taking gabapentin, it might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.

Gabapentin Can be Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsive medication which first discovered in the 1970s in Japan.

Its original use was as a muscle relaxer and anti-spasmodic medication, but later, it was discovered the potential of the medication as anticonvulsive medication and as an adjunct to stronger anticonvulsants.

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that got FDA approval for partial seizure therapy in 1993. Currently, gabapentin has FDA approval for:

- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients over the age of 12 years old with epilepsy, and the pediatric population, 3 to 12 year-olds with a partial seizure
- Moderate to severe restless leg syndrome (RLS) moderate to severe

It also has off-label use for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, postmenopausal hot flashes, essential tremors, anxiety, resistant depressant and mood disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), alcohol withdrawal, postoperative analgesia, nausea and vomiting, migraine prophylaxis, headache, interstitial cystitis, painful diabetic neuropathy, social phobia, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, pruritus (itching), insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and refractory chronic cough.

In one placebo-controlled, retrospective study that investigated the effects of gabapentin on about 700 patients with refractory partial seizure disorder, there was an improvement in overall well-being in patients. The effect prompted a controlled investigation of the drug in primary psychiatric conditions.

An important benefit of gabapentin is that there is no interaction with valproate, lithium, and carbamazepine. Also, gabapentin has minor side effects.

Gabapentin in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Gabapentin is rarely prescribed for patients with only anxiety disorder but is commonly prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to reduce anxiety levels. Clinicians can also use it for patients who have anxiety and depression. Since anxiety is a coping skill, there is no drug to treat anxiety, but the medications used for this purpose make it possible to live at the moment, giving patients a chance to undergo anxiety treatment with non-pharmaceuticals. Even though the studies show that gabapentin is ineffective in the treatment of bipolar disorder, a case-control study with 60 patients in an acute phase of mania had a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety with lithium and 900 mg of gabapentin. In another study with 21, mixed-state patients refractory to mood stabilizers received gabapentin (up to 2000 mg per day) for eight weeks, and patients with depressive symptoms had significant improvement in their CGI-BP (Clinical Global Impression-Bipolar) scores.

A meta-analysis of 7 trials pointed to gabapentin’s greater efficacy versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), although the effect size was approximately 0.35 for mental anxiety symptoms. A study of 153 patients who responded to the initial treatment of 450 mg per day for maintenance treatment of social anxiety disorder.

There are no clinical studies on the effectiveness of gabapentin as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorders. However, there are case reviews that show some patients with depression who are refractory to standard antidepressants but showed therapeutic improvement when using gabapentin as adjunctive therapy.

In a randomized, double-blind study, with 130 patients that had under eye surgery, a one-time dose of 600 mg gabapentin significantly reduced the perioperative anxiety compared to a placebo. However, there was no significant difference compared to melatonin.

Gabapentin is also Used for Prevention of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a muscular condition that affects many people. It refers to muscle fatigue and pain felt across different muscle groups in the body, not just on isolated areas.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

The term fibromyalgia directly means pain that is embedded in the tissues of the muscles, specifically the fibrous tissues. This very acute pain starts from the ligaments, the tendons, and other such connective muscle tissues that are present all over the muscular system of the body. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.

There are however some controversial theories regarding Fibromyalgia that propose that this condition is a psychosomatic illness, that is, it is a disorder brought about by psychological factors and not necessarily physical factors. This reasoning is mainly brought about by the strong evidence available that relates Fibromyalgia to major depression.

An in-depth review regarding the association of major depression disorders with Fibromyalgia brought out significant similarities between the two in terms of psychological characteristics and neuroendoctrine abnormalities in the patients.

Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.

Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often useful in reducing certain types of nerve pain. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms. Gabapentin is a medicine used to treat pain caused by nerves that are not working properly. Gabapentin changes the way that the nerves send messages to the brain. It can be taken in a tablet or a liquid, with or without food. Doses are usually 1200 mg to 2400 mg each day. At the start of treatment low doses are used to minimise side effects, but the dose is usually increased after a few weeks.

At the reviews of gabapentin for fibromyalgia in drugs.com , almost 70% Fibromyalgia Patients think Gabapentin can cure their fiobromyalgia disease. But almost 20% fiobromyalgia Patients think it doesnot work. ( Rating 1 -2 %), another 15% patients think it do work but the effect is not that good ( Rating 3 – 5 ).

One of the patient said:

“I have had fibro for 7 years, finally have a doctor that prescribed me Gabapentin. It’s amazing I feel like a normal person again. I sleep through the night, with no pain anymore. My anxiety is gone also, which is awesome. I know everyone is different, but it works for me. I have had little to no side effects yet. First few doses was a bit of an air head other than that no complaints. Being able to function pain free and agitation free is a blessing.”

Another Fiobro patient said:

“I had the best results, in relieving the pain, with gabapentin. I was able to work through the other symptoms. The etodolac helped with the inflammation. I was doing well, until the muscle spasms started, again. I suspect the mould allergies exasperated the symptoms. So, cyclobenzeprine was added. I don’t know what happened, but I was jobless, homeless, and very sick by the time a CVS pharmacist recognized the V.A. had put me on another toxic, prescription drug cocktail. When I brought it to the V.A.s attention, as usual, it was ignored. The medications that help, are the ones the V.A. will not prescribe to veterans like myself. They say speak up, if you do, expect to be classified as mentally ill, violent, aggressive, involuntarily committed”

NatalieW555 Said:
“I was suffering from fibromyalgia pain most of my adult life, I’m 52 by the way, not realizing there was this wonderful medication available to me…I started it about 2 years ago and it really makes a HUGE difference in how my body feels. I take 300 mg 3X daily. I hope it never quits working for me…you should give it a try….It has no side effects on me.”

Member Annabqnm Said:

“Pretty much saved my life. 13 years ago fibromyalgia symptoms (severe pain especially legs and shoulders), started. My father was taking high doses of gabapentin for chronic guillaune barre. He urged me to try it–and it was the first real sleep I had in months! My rheumatologist had me on 1600mg. 3x, gradually lowered to 1600 mg. 2x. Studies at Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins show very few (and very mild) side effects, even at high doses. The only problem I have is if I forget to take them. Then I get flu like symptoms. I was able to continue my career (elementary school teacher) with no problems. Retired this year age 66 and very active. BTW my memory seems better than most friends my age.”

But 30% Fibro customers think Gabapentin is not effective for their Fibro disease. I looked the reviews they have wrote, I found most of them are just back pain or leg pain but not Fiobromyalgia. But some Fibro patients do think it has some side effects, especially thought problems such as depression.

One of the Fibro patient said:

“I have “fibromyalgia,” severe muscle pain from a twisted spine/congenitally deformed vertebrae. I was getting better with yoga, but hurt my back/rib muscles overdoing. I developed depression on gabapentin after a few weeks. At first it dulled the pain and made me feel lightheaded, and I had memory problems. Then my anxiety increased and the pain continued, and hit a real low. I spent two weeks in a psych ward until a brilliant psych nurse who believed in treating muscle pain. I am now recovering on a mix of robaxin, a muscle relaxer, a low dose of valium for rib spasms, and prozac and remeron (for sleep) and hope to get off all of them once I can exercise again. Similar reaction to Lyrica four years ago.”

Gabapentin is effective for Fibro. But you need consider whether you can endure the side effects of gabapentin. Please check our website for the Gabapentin Side Effects.

Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is somewhat commonly prescribed as a fibromyalgia treatment, however, it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this condition.

It’s often prescribed off-label. However, the drug is chemically related to Lyrica (pregabalin), which is approved for fibromyalgia. In fact, Lyrica is sometimes referred to as the “son of Neurontin.”

Gabapentin is classified as an anti-seizure drug. It’s used to treat epilepsy, neuropathy (pain from damaged nerves), restless legs syndrome, and hot flashes. Fibromyalgia pain is similar to neuropathy, but whether this condition involves nerve damage still isn’t clear.

How Gabapentin Works

Gabapentin is believed to work by altering the release of glutamate and other neurotransmitters in your brain.1 Neurotransmitters send messages from one brain cell to another. Glutamate is helpful for certain things, like learning new information. That’s because it gets your brain cells stirred up and active.

Though, if you have too much glutamate, your brain cells can become overstimulated. That can make all kinds of things go wrong.

Glutamate also helps transmit pain signals in your brain and nerves. Too much glutamate may play a role in hyperalgesia, which essentially turns up the volume of pain.

To counter the effects of glutamate, you have another neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).2 It calms your cells and quiets your brain. When GABA and glutamate exist in balance with each other, things go well. (It’s likely out of balance in fibromyalgia, though.)

Some diseases and conditions—including fibromyalgia—may interrupt this balance and let glutamate run amok. Gabapentin is believed to reduce your brain’s release of glutamate so the cells can calm down and your brain can function better.

Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia

Research suggests that people with fibromyalgia have too much glutamate in certain parts of their brain, so gabapentin has long been prescribed for it. But is it effective? Research is mixed.

Two reviews of the evidence disagree. One released in 2016 found that gabapentin is an effective fibromyalgia treatment,3 while another, published in 2017,4 reported only low-quality evidence.

A 2014 review of gabapentin for fibromyalgia and neuropathy found that about 35% of study participants saw their pain drop by at least 50% while on the drug.5 It’s important to note, though, that 21% saw similar drops when taking a placebo.

In studies comparing gabapentin with Lyrica (pregabalin) , including one published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, pregabalin appeared to perform better.

An extended-release form of gabapentin showed promise in one small trial published in Pain Practice.3 Researchers say it improved pain, sleep, and quality of life. This was a preliminary trial, though, so more work needs to be done before we’ll know for sure whether it’s safe and effective long term.

New research supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) shows that the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin, which is used for certain types of seizures, can be an effective treatment for the pain and other symptoms associated with the common, often hard-to-treat chronic pain disorder, fibromyalgia.

In the NIAMS-sponsored, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of 150 women (90 percent) and men with the condition, Lesley M. Arnold, M.D., director of the Women’s Health Research Program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and her colleagues found that those taking gabapentin at dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg daily for 12 weeks displayed significantly less pain than those taking placebo. Patients taking gabapentin also reported significantly better sleep and less fatigue. For the majority of participants, the drug was well tolerated. The most common side effects included dizziness and sedation, which were mild to moderate in severity in most cases.

NIAMS Director Stephen I. Katz. M.D., Ph.D., remarked that “While gabapentin does not have Food and Drug Administration approval for fibromyalgia¹, I believe this study offers additional insight to physicians considering the drug for their fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition for which current treatments are only modestly effective, so a study such as this is potentially good news for people with this common, painful condition.”

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic, widespread muscle pain and tenderness, and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It affects three million to six million Americans, mostly women, and can be disabling.

The precise cause of fibromyalgia in not known, but research suggests it is related to a problem with the central nervous system’s processing of pain. As with some other chronic pain conditions, people with fibromyalgia often develop a heightened response to stimuli, experiencing pain that would not cause problems in other people. Yet, unlike many other pain syndromes, there is no physical evidence of inflammation or central nervous system damage.

Although Gabapentin has little, if any, effect on acute pain, it has shown a robust effect on pain caused by a heightened response to stimuli related to inflammation or nerve injury in animal models of chronic pain syndromes. Researchers have suspected that it might have the same effect in people with Fibromyalgia. The new research, published in the April 2007 edition of Arthritis & Rheumatism, indicates the suspicions were correct.

Although the researchers cannot say with certainty how Gabapentin helps reduce pain, Dr. Arnold says one possible explanation involves the binding of gabapentin to a specific subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels on neurons. “This binding reduces calcium flow into the nerve cell, which reduces the release of some signaling molecules involved in pain processing,” she says.

How gabapentin improves sleep and other symptoms is less clear, and there are probably different mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia symptoms. “Gabapentin improved sleep, which is an added benefit to patients with fibromyalgia who often report unrefreshing or disrupted sleep,” Dr. Arnold says.

What is important is that people with fibromyalgia now have a potential new treatment option for a condition with few effective treatments. “Studies like this give clinicians evidence-based information to guide their treatment of patients,” says Dr. Arnold.

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health, is to support research into the causes, treatment and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. For more information about NIAMS, call the information clearinghouse at (301) 495-4484 or (877) 22-NIAMS (free call) or visit the NIAMS website at http://www.niams.nih.gov.

Gabapentin Side Effects

Like all drugs, gabapentin comes with a risk of side effects.5 Some are potentially dangerous, while others are not. If you have any of the following side effects while taking gabapentin, call your healthcare provider immediately:

- - Severe weakness or tiredness
  - Upper stomach pain
  - Chest pain
  - New or worsening cough along with fever
  - Difficulty breathing
  - Severe tingling or numbness
  - Rapid, back-and-forth eye movements
  - Pain or difficulty with urination, or no urination
  - Fever
  - Sore throat
  - Swelling in the face or tongue
  - Burning eyes
  - Rash

Side effects that aren’t cause for immediate concern include:

- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Falling asleep
- Weight gain

Children taking gabapentin may experience a different set of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider immediately for the following:

- Changes in behavior
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Restlessness, hostility, or aggression

Gabapentin may interact negatively with other drugs. Be sure your healthcare provider and pharmacist know everything you’re taking.

Is Gabapentin Right for You?

With evidence being weak and mixed, gabapentin has one clear advantage over Lyrica—it’s generic, and therefore much less expensive. Price, however, is far less important than efficacy.

We all react differently to medications. Some people who fail on other drugs, including Lyrica, may find relief from gabapentin. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and drawbacks gabapentin may have for your overall treatment regimen.

Which is better for fibromyalgia gabapentin or amitriptyline?

It depends on your symptoms. Research shows that amitriptyline and pregabalin (a drug similar to gabapentin) are equally effective at relieving pain, fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog. Amitriptyline is better at relieving muscular pain while pregabalin is better at easing neuropathic pain.6 Gabapentin also treats neuropathy.

Gabapentin Dosage for Partial Seizures

Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy. It’s also taken for nerve pain. Nerve pain can be caused by different illnesses, including diabetes and shingles, or it can happen after an injury.

Occasionally, gabapentin is used to treat migraine headaches.

Gabapentin is available on prescription. It comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid that you drink.

A doctor will need to sign your prescription by hand, and you’ll need to collect your medicine within 28 days. You’ll need to show the pharmacist proof of your identity.

How gabapentin works ?

In epilepsy, it’s thought that gabapentin stops seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

With nerve pain and migraine, it’s thought to interfere with pain messages travelling through the brain and down the spine to block pain.

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:

1. Creatinine clearance of 30-59 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg twice per day
2. Creatinine clearance of 16-29 ml/min: 200 to 700 mg once per day
3. 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
4. Hemodialysis: dose is dependent on estimated creatinine clearance; a supplemental dose of 125 to 350 mg is given after dialysis