Gabapentin appears to work by altering electrical activity in the brain and influencing the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which send messages between nerve cells.
This article describes the uses, dosages, and side effects of gabapentin. It also looks into the associated risks and some other safety considerations.
Gabapentin brand names
Brand names for gabapentin include:
- Neurontin: uses include relieving pain due to shingles and in combination with anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures
- Gralise: uses only include relieving pain due to shingles
- Horizant: extended-release tablet to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS), as well as pain from shingles
Gabapentin’s primary use is to prevent or control seizures. It works by calming nerve activity to reduce seizure intensity or occurrence.
Children and adults can take this drug. The brand-name drug Neurontin can treat one form of epilepsy in children as young as 3 years old. Some people take other medications with gabapentin to control epilepsy symptoms.
Gabapentin can also help reduce post-herpetic neuralgia, which refers to a burning or stabbing nerve pain that is a common complication of shingles.