Gabapentin: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
A prescription anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults
Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy (partial seizures) and peripheral neuropathic pain in adults. Originally developed as an analogue of the neurotransmitter GABA, gabapentin works by binding to voltage-gated calcium channels in the brain, reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. While effective for its approved indications, gabapentin carries risks of dependency, sedation, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. It requires careful dose adjustment in patients with kidney problems and should be used with caution alongside opioid medications.
Quick Facts: Gabapentin
Key Takeaways
- Gabapentin is approved for the treatment of partial seizures (epilepsy) as adjunctive or monotherapy, and for peripheral neuropathic pain in adults caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia.
- Never stop taking gabapentin suddenly; abrupt discontinuation can trigger withdrawal symptoms including seizures, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and sweating. Always taper the dose gradually over at least one week under medical supervision.
- Gabapentin carries a recognized risk of dependency, particularly in individuals with a history of substance abuse. In several countries it is now classified as a controlled substance.
- Combining gabapentin with opioids significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression, excessive sedation, and death. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take.
- Dose adjustment is essential for patients with impaired kidney function or those receiving hemodialysis, as gabapentin is eliminated almost entirely through the kidneys.
What Is Gabapentin and What Is It Used For?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication that belongs to the anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) drug class. First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 under the brand name Neurontin, it has since become one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide, available as a generic drug from numerous manufacturers including Gabapentin Actavis, Gabapentin Accord, Gabapentin Orion, and others.
Structurally, gabapentin is an analogue of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Despite this structural similarity, gabapentin does not bind to GABA receptors and is not converted into GABA within the body. Instead, its primary mechanism of action involves binding to the alpha-2-delta (α2δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. By reducing calcium influx at nerve terminals, gabapentin decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P, thereby reducing both seizure activity and pain signaling.
Gabapentin is officially approved for two primary indications. The first is epilepsy, specifically the treatment of partial (focal) seizures with or without secondary generalization. In adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, gabapentin can be used as monotherapy (sole treatment). In children aged 6 years and older, it is approved as adjunctive therapy (add-on treatment) when current anti-epileptic medications do not provide adequate seizure control. The second approved indication is peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, which is long-lasting pain caused by nerve damage from conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and other peripheral nerve disorders.
The pain associated with peripheral neuropathy is often described as burning, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, or numbness. It most commonly affects the legs and arms. Gabapentin can provide significant relief for these symptoms by reducing the abnormal nerve signaling that underlies neuropathic pain. Clinical trials have demonstrated that gabapentin is effective at reducing pain scores and improving sleep quality in patients with both diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia.
Beyond its approved indications, gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for a variety of conditions including restless legs syndrome, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol withdrawal, hot flashes associated with menopause, and certain chronic pain syndromes. While evidence supports some of these uses, off-label prescribing should always be carefully considered by the treating physician, weighing the potential benefits against the risks including dependency and side effects.
Gabapentin is available in several formulations: hard capsules (most commonly 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg), film-coated tablets (600 mg and 800 mg, which can be split for dose flexibility), and an oral solution (50 mg/ml) for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or require precise dose titration. All formulations are taken orally, typically three times daily, and can be administered with or without food.
What Should You Know Before Taking Gabapentin?
Contraindications
Gabapentin must not be used if you have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to gabapentin or any of the inactive ingredients in the specific formulation. Some formulations contain soy lecithin, so patients with allergies to peanuts or soy should not use those particular products. Always check the full list of ingredients with your pharmacist if you have known allergies.
Warnings and Precautions
Gabapentin carries a recognized risk of dependency. Some patients may develop a need to continue taking the medication beyond what was prescribed. Withdrawal symptoms including seizures, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating can occur if gabapentin is stopped abruptly. Always taper the dose gradually under medical supervision over at least one week.
Before starting gabapentin, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history. Several conditions require special attention and potentially adjusted dosing or monitoring:
- Kidney problems: Gabapentin is eliminated almost entirely through the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function or are receiving hemodialysis, your doctor will need to prescribe a modified dosing schedule to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity. Patients on hemodialysis should report any unusual muscle pain or weakness to their doctor immediately.
- History of substance abuse: Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse, or use of illicit drugs are at significantly higher risk of developing gabapentin dependency. Your doctor should be aware of this history before prescribing gabapentin.
- Respiratory conditions: Gabapentin can depress breathing, particularly when combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other respiratory conditions may be at increased risk.
- Age over 65: Elderly patients may be more susceptible to gabapentin's sedative effects and the risk of falls and fractures. Standard doses may be used if kidney function is normal, but closer monitoring is recommended.
- Neurological conditions: Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders should be monitored carefully, as gabapentin affects the central nervous system.
A small number of people treated with anti-epileptic drugs, including gabapentin, have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know develops unusual changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm while taking gabapentin, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Signs of dependency: You should be aware of the following signs that may indicate you are becoming dependent on gabapentin and discuss them with your doctor if they occur:
- Feeling a need to take the medication for longer than prescribed
- Needing to take more than the recommended dose to achieve the same effect
- Using the medication for reasons other than those for which it was prescribed
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop taking the medication
- Feeling unwell when you stop taking the medication, but feeling better once you resume it
Serious skin reactions: Rarely, gabapentin has been associated with severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). Stop taking gabapentin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop widespread rash, blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth, throat, or eyes, particularly if preceded by fever or flu-like symptoms.
Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain, especially if accompanied by feeling unwell or fever, could indicate abnormal muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) which can be life-threatening and lead to kidney failure. You may also notice dark-colored urine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Acute pancreatitis: If you develop persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting while taking gabapentin, contact your doctor immediately as these may be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss your treatment options with your doctor immediately. Gabapentin should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks to the developing baby.
A large study examining data from women in Nordic countries who took gabapentin during the first three months of pregnancy found no increased risk of birth defects or neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there was an increased risk of low birth weight and premature birth among infants whose mothers took gabapentin during pregnancy. If gabapentin is used together with opioid pain medications during pregnancy, the newborn may be at increased risk of withdrawal symptoms (neonatal abstinence syndrome).
For women with epilepsy, it is critically important not to stop anti-seizure medication abruptly during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child. Any changes to epilepsy treatment during pregnancy should be made gradually under close medical supervision.
Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Because the effects on nursing infants are not fully known, breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment with gabapentin. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Fertility: Animal studies have not shown effects of gabapentin on fertility.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Gabapentin can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue, which may impair your ability to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other potentially hazardous activities. You should not perform these activities until you know how gabapentin affects you personally. These effects are most pronounced during the initial dose titration period and when the dose is increased.
How Does Gabapentin Interact with Other Drugs?
While gabapentin has relatively few pharmacokinetic drug interactions compared to many other anticonvulsants (it is not metabolized by the liver and does not induce or inhibit hepatic enzymes), there are several clinically important interactions that must be considered:
Major Interactions
Combining gabapentin with opioid analgesics (such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, or tramadol) significantly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. If co-administration is unavoidable, your doctor should prescribe the lowest effective doses and monitor you closely. Report any excessive drowsiness or breathing difficulties immediately.
The interaction between gabapentin and opioids is bidirectional: opioids can enhance the sedative effects of gabapentin, while gabapentin can increase opioid blood levels (particularly morphine). This interaction has been associated with a significant number of overdose deaths, prompting regulatory warnings from the FDA, EMA, and other agencies worldwide.
Other central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or lorazepam), sedating antihistamines, sleep medications, and alcohol, can also enhance the sedative effects of gabapentin, leading to increased drowsiness, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression.
Minor Interactions
Antacids: Aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids reduce the absorption of gabapentin from the gastrointestinal tract. If you need to take antacids, gabapentin should be taken at least two hours after the antacid dose to ensure adequate absorption.
Gabapentin is generally not expected to interact with other anti-epileptic medications (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, or phenobarbital) or oral contraceptives. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
Gabapentin may interfere with certain laboratory tests. If you need to provide a urine sample for protein testing, inform the laboratory staff or your doctor that you are taking gabapentin, as false-positive results may occur with some dipstick methods.
| Interacting Drug | Severity | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioids (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine) | Major | Increased sedation, respiratory depression, risk of death | Use lowest effective doses; close monitoring required |
| Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam) | Major | Enhanced CNS depression, excessive sedation | Use with caution; monitor for excessive drowsiness |
| Alcohol | Major | Increased sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination | Avoid alcohol during gabapentin treatment |
| Aluminum/magnesium antacids | Moderate | Reduced gabapentin absorption (up to 20%) | Take gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacid |
| Other anti-epileptic drugs | Low | No significant pharmacokinetic interactions | Can be used together; monitor clinical response |
| Oral contraceptives | Low | No effect on contraceptive efficacy | No dose adjustment needed |
What Is the Correct Dosage of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin dosing is always individualized based on the condition being treated, patient age, weight, kidney function, and clinical response. The dose is typically started low and gradually increased (titrated) to minimize side effects. Always take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Adults – Epilepsy
Epilepsy Dosing (Adults and Adolescents 12+ Years)
Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose and increase it gradually. The usual starting dose is 300–900 mg per day. The dose can then be increased according to your doctor's instructions up to a maximum of 3,600 mg per day, divided into three separate doses (morning, afternoon, and evening). The maximum interval between doses should not exceed 12 hours to prevent breakthrough seizures.
Adults – Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain Dosing (Adults)
Your doctor will gradually increase the dose over several days. A common titration schedule begins with 300 mg on Day 1, 300 mg twice daily on Day 2, and 300 mg three times daily on Day 3. The dose may then be further increased as needed up to a maximum of 3,600 mg per day in three divided doses. Effective pain relief is typically achieved at doses between 1,800 and 3,600 mg per day.
Children
Epilepsy Dosing (Children 6–12 Years)
The dose is calculated based on the child's body weight. Treatment starts with a low dose that is gradually increased over approximately three days. The usual effective dose is 25–35 mg per kg per day, divided into three separate doses. Your doctor will determine the exact dose for your child. Gabapentin is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Elderly Patients
Patients over 65 years of age should take gabapentin at standard doses provided their kidney function is normal. Since kidney function naturally declines with age, many elderly patients will require dose adjustments. Your doctor will check your kidney function (creatinine clearance) and adjust the dose accordingly. Elderly patients may also be more sensitive to the sedative effects of gabapentin and should be monitored for dizziness and risk of falls.
Kidney Impairment
Because gabapentin is eliminated almost entirely by the kidneys, dose reduction is essential in patients with reduced kidney function. Your doctor will calculate the appropriate dose based on your estimated creatinine clearance. Patients receiving hemodialysis require supplemental doses after each dialysis session, as hemodialysis effectively removes gabapentin from the blood.
| Patient Group | Indication | Starting Dose | Usual Maintenance Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults & adolescents (12+) | Epilepsy | 300–900 mg/day | 900–3,600 mg/day in 3 doses | 3,600 mg/day |
| Adults | Neuropathic pain | 300 mg/day (Day 1) | 1,800–3,600 mg/day in 3 doses | 3,600 mg/day |
| Children (6–12 years) | Epilepsy (adjunctive) | 10–15 mg/kg/day | 25–35 mg/kg/day in 3 doses | 50 mg/kg/day |
| Elderly (65+ years) | All indications | Per indication | Adjusted per kidney function | Per kidney function |
| Kidney impairment | All indications | Reduced | Based on creatinine clearance | Individualized |
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Maintaining regular dosing intervals is important, particularly for seizure control.
Overdose
Taking more gabapentin than prescribed can lead to serious side effects including loss of consciousness, severe dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, and diarrhea. If you suspect an overdose, contact your local emergency services or poison control center immediately. Bring any remaining tablets and the packaging to help medical staff identify the medication.
What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?
Like all medications, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity and tend to occur more frequently during the initial dose titration period. Many improve or resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Stop taking gabapentin and seek emergency medical care if you experience: target-like or circular reddish patches on the skin with central blisters, peeling or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, or genitals (signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis); widespread rash with high fever and enlarged lymph nodes (signs of DRESS syndrome); difficulty breathing; or severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Very Common
Affects more than 1 in 10 people
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination (ataxia)
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Fever
- Viral infections
Common
Affects up to 1 in 10 people
- Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Aggression, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking clearly
- Seizures, jerky movements, speech difficulties, memory loss, tremor, insomnia, headache
- Numbness or tingling, abnormal eye movements, reduced or absent reflexes
- Blurred vision, double vision
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- High blood pressure, flushing
- Breathing difficulties, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, dental problems, gum inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth and throat, flatulence
- Facial swelling, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- Erectile dysfunction
- Swollen legs and arms, difficulty walking, weakness, general pain and malaise, flu-like symptoms
- Weight gain
- Accidental injuries, fractures, abrasions
Uncommon
Affects up to 1 in 100 people
- Agitation (restlessness with involuntary, purposeless movements)
- Allergic reactions such as hives
- Reduced mobility
- Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
- Swelling of face, trunk, or limbs
- Abnormal liver function test results
- Cognitive impairment
- Falls
- Increased blood sugar (more common in diabetic patients)
- Difficulty swallowing
Rare
Affects up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Decreased blood sugar (more common in diabetic patients)
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory depression (shallow, slow breathing)
Post-Marketing Reports
Frequency not established
- Decreased platelet count (important for blood clotting)
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Abnormal involuntary movements (writhing, jerking, stiffness)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), liver inflammation
- Acute kidney failure, urinary incontinence
- Breast tissue enlargement
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown), elevated creatine phosphokinase
- Sexual dysfunction, including inability to reach orgasm or delayed ejaculation
- Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia)
- Anaphylactic reaction (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Drug dependency
In clinical studies in children, aggressive behavior and hyperkinesia (excessive involuntary movements) were additionally reported as common side effects. Parents and caregivers should monitor children carefully and report any behavioral changes to the treating physician.
Withdrawal side effects: After stopping gabapentin treatment (whether short-term or long-term), you may experience withdrawal symptoms including seizures, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nausea, pain, sweating, tremor, headache, depression, abnormal sensations, dizziness, and a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms typically appear within 48 hours of the last dose. For this reason, gabapentin should always be tapered gradually and never stopped abruptly.
How Should You Store Gabapentin?
Proper storage of gabapentin is important to ensure the medication remains effective and safe throughout its shelf life. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Temperature: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze the oral solution.
- Light and moisture: Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
- Child safety: Store gabapentin out of sight and reach of children. Consider using a locked medicine cabinet.
- Expiration date: Do not use gabapentin after the expiration date (EXP) printed on the carton and blister pack. The expiration date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not dispose of unused medication by flushing it down the toilet or throwing it in household waste. Return unused or expired gabapentin to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Many pharmacies and communities offer medication take-back programs. Proper disposal helps protect the environment and prevents accidental ingestion by children or pets.
What Does Gabapentin Contain?
Each gabapentin product contains gabapentin as its sole active ingredient. The inactive ingredients (excipients) vary depending on the manufacturer and dosage form:
Capsules (100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg): Typically contain lactose monohydrate, corn starch, talc, and gelatin for the capsule shell, with colorants varying by strength.
Film-coated tablets (600 mg, 800 mg): Common excipients include macrogol 4000, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, and magnesium stearate in the tablet core. The film coating typically contains polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E 171), talc, soy lecithin, and xanthan gum.
Oral solution (50 mg/ml): Contains sweeteners and flavorings in addition to the active ingredient, and may include preservatives. The exact composition varies by manufacturer.
Some gabapentin formulations (particularly certain film-coated tablets) contain soy lecithin. If you are allergic to peanuts or soy, do not use these formulations. Check with your pharmacist for soy-free alternatives.
Sodium content: Film-coated gabapentin tablets typically contain less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet and are therefore considered essentially sodium-free.
Tablet appearance: The 600 mg film-coated tablets are typically white, round, with two crossing score lines on one side allowing them to be divided into two or four equal parts. The 800 mg tablets are typically white, oblong, with a score line on both sides allowing division into two equal parts. Capsules come in different colors depending on the strength and manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentin
Gabapentin is primarily used for two conditions: epilepsy (partial seizures) as either sole therapy or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs, and peripheral neuropathic pain in adults caused by nerve damage from conditions like diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) or shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). It is sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions such as restless legs syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain syndromes. Always take gabapentin only as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, dependency on gabapentin is a recognized risk. Some patients may develop a psychological or physical need to continue taking the medication. Risk factors include a history of substance abuse (alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs). Signs of dependency include needing higher doses for the same effect, using it for non-prescribed reasons, and feeling unwell when you stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea can occur if gabapentin is stopped abruptly. Always discuss any concerns about dependency with your doctor, and never stop gabapentin without medical guidance.
The most common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, fatigue, and fever. Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10) include headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, blurred or double vision, tremor, difficulty sleeping, confusion, and mood changes. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve over the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts. If side effects persist or are bothersome, consult your doctor about potential dose adjustments.
Combining gabapentin with opioids (such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine, or fentanyl) significantly increases the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including profound drowsiness, sedation, respiratory depression (dangerously slow or shallow breathing), coma, and death. If your doctor determines that both medications are necessary, they should prescribe the lowest effective doses and monitor you closely. Never start or stop either medication without consulting your doctor, and report any excessive drowsiness or breathing problems immediately.
The time for gabapentin to reach its full effect depends on the condition being treated. For epilepsy, seizure frequency may begin to decrease within the first few weeks of treatment, but the full benefit is typically seen once the optimal dose has been reached through gradual titration. For neuropathic pain, some patients notice improvement within one to two weeks, but it can take up to six to eight weeks at an adequate dose to achieve maximum pain relief. The dose is always increased gradually over several days to weeks to minimize side effects, so patience is important during the initial treatment period.
Gabapentin should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary and the benefits outweigh the potential risks. A large Nordic study found no increased risk of birth defects with first-trimester use, but there was an increased risk of low birth weight and premature birth. Newborns may experience withdrawal symptoms, particularly if gabapentin was taken with opioids. Critically, women with epilepsy should never stop their anti-seizure medication abruptly during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures are dangerous for both mother and baby. Discuss your treatment plan with your neurologist or obstetrician as early as possible if you are planning a pregnancy.
References
This article is based on the following peer-reviewed sources, official drug labels, and international medical guidelines:
- 1 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Gabapentin Summary of Product Characteristics. Updated 2024.
- 2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Neurontin (Gabapentin) Prescribing Information. Revised 2023.
- 3 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Neuropathic Pain in Adults: Pharmacological Management. Clinical Guideline CG173. Updated 2024.
- 4 World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. 23rd edition, 2023.
- 5 British National Formulary (BNF). Gabapentin Monograph. Updated 2025.
- 6 Wiffen PJ, Derry S, Bell RF, et al. Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;6(6):CD007938. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007938.pub4
- 7 Peckham AM, Evoy KE, Ochs L, Covvey JR. Gabapentin for Off-Label Use: Evidence-Based or Cause for Concern? Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment. 2018;12:1178221818801311.
- 8 Finnerup NB, Attal N, Haroutounian S, et al. Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Neurology. 2015;14(2):162-173.
- 9 Evoy KE, Morrison MD, Saklad SR. Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin. Drugs. 2017;77(4):403-426.
- 10 Hernandez-Diaz S, Huybrechts KF, Guan Z, et al. Gabapentin use in pregnancy and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders. JAMA Neurology. 2024;81(2):149-158.
Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team in accordance with our strict editorial standards. Our team consists of licensed physicians, clinical pharmacologists, and medical writers with expertise in neurology, pain medicine, and epilepsy.
Prepared by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team based on international medical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and official drug labeling from the EMA, FDA, and BNF.
Reviewed by the iMedic Medical Review Board, an independent panel of board-certified physicians following the GRADE evidence framework and international clinical guidelines.
All content on iMedic is evidence-based (Level 1A where available), reviewed by qualified medical professionals, and updated regularly. We maintain complete editorial independence with no commercial funding or pharmaceutical industry sponsorship. For more information, see our Editorial Standards.