Gabapentin is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of anticonvulsants. It is used to treat the following conditions:
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Epilepsy: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control partial seizures in adults and children age 3 and older who have epilepsy.
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Nerve pain: Gabapentin is used to relieve nerve pain caused by different conditions, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) following shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve pain that can happen after an injury.
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Restless legs syndrome: Gabapentin extended-release tablets (Horizant) are used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) .
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Hot flashes: Gabapentin is used to treat and prevent hot flashes in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause.
Gabapentin is available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral solution. It is usually taken three times a day, with or without food. It takes at least a few weeks for gabapentin to work, and most people who take it do not get any side effects. However, some people may feel sleepy, tired, and dizzy, and common side effects are usually mild and go away by themselves.
