Drug Facts for Africans: Gabapentin

By: Ruth Frank, B. Pharm. Freelance Health Writer. Reviewed by Chinedu Akpa, B. Pharm.

Close up photo of a labeled container of gabapentin capsules

As many people may have difficulties pronouncing drug names, let’s start with this simple, yet relevant information; gabapentin is pronounced “gab-a-pen-tin.” In this article, you’ll learn about the dos and don’ts of the drug called gabapentin.

What is gabapentin?

Gabapentin is in a class of medicines called anticonvulsants (i.e. drugs that control convulsion).

You’ve probably heard of convulsion and have an idea about what it is. Convulsions happen when the brain sends out abnormal signals that cause the body to shake uncontrollably without the awareness of the person in question. 

Gabapentin comes in various forms: a tablet, a capsule and a liquid solution. Available dosage strength varies with the form.

Some available brands of gabapentin in Africa include Neurontin and Ablept-300. [1]

What is gabapentin used for?

Gabapentin is used in the treatment of: [1]

• Seizures (abnormal signals sent by the brain)
• Restless leg syndrome (a condition with uncomfortable leg sensations making the person always want to move their leg)
• Nerve pain caused by conditions, such as diabetes or shingles, amongst others. 

It is also used off label (using a medication for conditions or in dosages that it wasn't specifically approved for) in the treatment of several other conditions including, fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tiredness), bipolar disorder, mood disorder, resistant depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder, alcohol withdrawal, etc.

How does gabapentin work?

Gabapentin works by indirectly blocking the release of chemicals that send abnormal electrical signals to overstimulate the brain, hence allowing the brain function normally. [2]

How is gabapentin taken?

Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed. Do not alter your prescription by taking more or less than recommended. Maintain a schedule for taking your medicine. The dose for gabapentin varies based on the condition it is used to treat.

Partial Seizures

• Neurontin

The initial dose is 300mg every 8 hours by mouth. It can be increased to 600mg every 8 hours. 

Nerve Pain Caused by Herpes Virus

• Neurontin

Day 1: 300mg by mouth once a day

Day 2: 300mg by mouth every 12 hours

Day 3: 300mg by mouth every 8 hours

Restless Leg Syndrome 

On day one, 100 to 300mg by mouth 2 hours before bed is recommended. The dose can be gradually increased (within the range of 300-1800 mg/day) every 2 weeks until there's an improvement. [3]

What to do if you forget a dose

If you miss a dose of gabapentin while on the medication, take it immediately you remember. However, if you remember close to the time you should take your next dose for the day, skip the missed dose. Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed dose. 

What to expect when taking gabapentin

While on gabapentin, you may experience the following:

• Dizziness, drowsiness and the uncontrollable need to sleep
• Depressive moods and suicidal thoughts [2]

Side effects

Common side effects of gabapentin include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Sleepiness
• Double vision
• Headache
• Fever
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Rapid involuntary eye movements [2]

Gabapentin can also cause serious effects like:

• An allergic reaction that causes your airway to narrow (anaphylaxis)
• Swelling in the face, throat or tongue making breathing difficult (angioedema) [2]

Is gabapentin addictive?

Gabapentin is not considered inherently addictive. Although, in people who have a history of substance use, it has a tendency to cause an addiction. In others, the chances of addiction are rare. [4]

Who may not take gabapentin?

Gabapentin may not be recommended for you if:

• You have drug allergies
• You have a history of drug misuse or addiction
• You have problems with your kidney and are on dialysis (the use of a machine to remove waste from the blood due to a failing kidney)
• You have health conditions that makes breathing difficult
• You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding [5]

Warning: Things to avoid when taking gabapentin

Do not take gabapentin together with:

• Alcohol: Gabapentin and alcohol both cause drowsiness. Taking gabapentin with alcohol has several consequences including increased drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and increased risk of falls.
• Antacids: Antacids are medicines that work to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide decrease the amount of gabapentin available to work within the body. Common antacid brands are gestid, gaviscon, polygel and polyfort. If you are on gabapentin and need to take antacids, it is recommended to use it 2 hours before gabapentin.
• Pregabalin (works in a similar way with gabapentin and is used for the same conditions).
• Opioids: Opioids are usually used to manage moderate to severe pain and have the ability to cause addiction. Opioids also have the ability to decrease breathing (respiratory depression), which gabapentin does. For this reason, they should not be taken together. [2]

Tips for safe use, storage and disposal

• Do not stop using gabapentin abruptly. A slow reduction of the dose over a period of at least one week is necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms (feeling like you can’t do without the medicine).
• Do not take a higher dose than was prescribed.
• Do not use a different brand from what was prescribed. Unlike other drugs, different brands of gabapentin have specific uses.
• Do not chew the medicine.
• Do not share medicine prescribed for you with someone else even if they have similar symptoms with you.
• Keep the tablets and capsules away from moisture at room temperature. Keep the liquid form of the drug in the fridge, not freezer.
• To dispose of the medicine after use, put it in a trash bag with messy stuff that is not edible. Do not flush in the toilet. [1, 6]

Conclusion

Gabapentin is a prescription medication, specifically an anticonvulsant used for conditions such as epilepsy, restless leg syndrome and nerve pain due to various causes. If you feel your symptoms may require using gabapentin, discuss with your healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take gabapentin with alcohol?

No, you can’t. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system just as gabapentin does. What this means is, the drunken state worsens when you combine both substances, which can be fatal.

Can I stop taking gabapentin when I feel better?

No, you can’t. Gabapentin isn’t a drug to start or stop as you like. Your prescriber must be informed if you have to stop using the medication at any point in time.

Should I take gabapentin with or without food?

Depending on the brand and how long the drug was designed to stay in your body, gabapentin can be taken with or without food. Ask your healthcare provider for more details based on your prescription.

Can I get gabapentin over the counter?

No. To have access to gabapentin, it must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Can I drive while taking gabapentin?

Gabapentin can make you feel drowsy. Driving or operating any machine that requires your alertness isn’t recommended while taking gabapentin.

Resources 

1.   HealthDay (Drugs.com). Gabapentin. [Internet, n.d.] Drugs.com. Accessed July 16, 2025. Available from here.

2.   Yasaei R, Katta S, Patel P, et al. Gabapentin. [Updated 2024 Feb 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [Accessed July 16, 2024]. Available from here.

3.   Medscape. Neurontin, Gralise (gabapentin) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects and more. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from here.

4.   Bonnet U, Scherbaum N. How addictive are gabapentin and pregabalin? A systematic review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017 Dec;27(12):1185-1215. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.08.430. Epub 2017 Oct 5. Abstract available from here. 

5.   NHS. UK. Who can and cannot take gabapentin. [Internet]. Last reviewed 2022 Jan. 18. [Accessed July 16, 2025]. Available from here. 

6.   Drug disposal: FDA's flush list for certain medicines, U.S Food and Drug Administration. [Accessed July 17, 2025] Available from here.

Related: How to Safely Dispose of Unused and Expired Medicines at Home

Published: July 23, 2025

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