Gabapentin
Also known as: Neurontin
What it's for
Gabapentin treats nerve pain and epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerve signals. It is often used for pain from shingles, diabetes, or injuries.
Comes as: Capsules, tablets, or liquid
How to take it
- Adults: Dose varies. Usually start with 300mg on day 1, then increase gradually.
- Take the capsules whole with water.
- Space doses evenly through the day (usually 3 times daily).
- Do not stop taking it suddenly.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling drowsy or tired
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or vomiting
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can be habit-forming - take only as prescribed
- Do not stop suddenly - reduce the dose gradually
- Avoid alcohol - it increases drowsiness
- May affect your ability to drive
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have difficulty breathing
- You have severe dizziness or fainting
- You have a severe skin rash
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.