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Gabapentin, commonly marketed as Neurontin, is a gabapentinoid medicine used mainly for certain types of seizures and for neuropathic pain. In Australian clinical practice it is frequently used as an add-on treatment for epilepsy and as an option for chronic nerve pain where appropriate.

Quick facts sheet:

• Gabapentin is the primary active ingredient
• Drug class: anticonvulsant, gabapentinoid
• Common forms: capsules and tablets in strengths such as 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg

Only take gabapentin that a doctor has prescribed for you and follow the dosage instructions supplied. To return to the pinnacle at any time use the link Scroll to top of page.

Before you begin, take a moment taking gabapentin

Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about any existing medical conditions, allergies and all medicines you are taking. These details affect dosing and safety checks.

• If you have reduced kidney function or you are on dialysis
• If you have a history of depression, mood changes or past self harm
• If you are pregnant, considering conceiving, or breastfeeding
• If you have chronic breathing problems or you take opioid medicines
• If you have known drug sensitivities or serious allergic reactions

These issues may change how gabapentin is used or monitored. For follow up and protective guidelines see Observation and tracking and day to day safety. Come back toward the zenith using Scroll to top.

What is the proper way to take gabapentin

Take gabapentin with a full glass of water. It can be taken with food or without; if you develop stomach upset, take it with a meal or a little milk. Maintain regular intervals between doses as prescribed.

• If you split scored 600 mg or 800 mg tablets, use the unused half at the next scheduled time and dispose of halves not needed within a few days
• Do not stop gabapentin suddenly unless your clinician advises you to; abrupt cessation can increase the risk of seizures
• Pediatric dosing is weight based; follow specific pediatric instructions from your prescriber
• In suspected a drug overdose case call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. For life threatening events call 000

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Skipped doses may cause overdosed

If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than four hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Please avoid doubling the dose to catch up.

If someone has taken more gabapentin than prescribed, seek urgent medical help or phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for 24 hour advice.

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Interactions among users between this medicine and others and alcohol

Many substances can affect gabapentin absorption or increase its sedative effects. Always provide a full list of prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, supplements and recreational substances to your clinician.

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce gabapentin absorption; separate these by at least two hours
• Concurrent use of opioids increases the chance of severe drowsiness and respiratory depression
• Sevelamer may lower how much gabapentin your body absorbs; consider dosing them at different times
• Naproxen has been reported to alter gabapentin exposure in some patients; monitor for unexpected effects

Avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin because it can worsen dizziness and sleepiness. For more safety tips see Monitoring workflow and day to day safety. Scroll to top Up to the page top.

Resource monitoring and day to day safety

Ongoing review lets your prescriber judge effectiveness and tolerability. The measures below help reduce risks when using gabapentin.

• Keep scheduled follow up appointments for dose review and symptom checks
• If seizures increase in frequency or you see new seizure types, contact your prescriber promptly
• If you have epilepsy, carry an up to date medicine list and consider wearing medical identification
• Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you
• Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce lightheadedness, especially in older adults
• Simple measures such as sipping water or chewing sugar free gum can relieve dry mouth
• Rarely, antiepileptic drugs including gabapentin have been linked with new or worsening suicidal thoughts; seek urgent help if your mood or thinking changes

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Latent effects: urgent and common

Many people tolerate gabapentin well, but some adverse reactions occur. Below are reactions that need immediate assessment and those that are more frequent but less severe.

Serious reactions needing urgent care

• Allergic signs such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or breathing difficulty
• New or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or self harm
• Marked drowsiness or problems breathing, especially if taken with opioids or other sedatives

Small or mild effects

• Dizziness spells and blurred vision
• Nausea and constipation episodes
• Poor coordination, tremor or slurred speech
• Some people experience weight gain

If symptoms persist or are unusual, contact your healthcare professional. See Data surveillance and day to day safety for follow up advice. Jump to next the page top Move over to top.

Storing and disposing safely

Store and dispose of gabapentin to minimise accidental ingestion and environmental harm.

• Keep medicines out of the reach and sight of children
• Store at ordinary room temperature, for example 15 to 30 degrees C, and protect from excessive heat, light and moisture
• Do not use medication after the expiry date. Return expired or unwanted tablets and capsules to a pharmacy via the Return Unwanted Medicines program for secure disposal

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Other options and similar medications

Choice of therapy depends on the condition being treated, other medical issues, positive conversational exchanges enhance user satisfaction. and cost. Below are commonly considered a backup option choices or adjunct medicines.

• Pregabalin (Lyrica): a related gabapentinoid often used for neuropathic pain and some seizure tokens
• Carbamazepine: commonly used for focal seizures and trigeminal neuralgia
• Lamotrigine: selected for some seizure types because of a favorable tolerability profile
• Levetiracetam: frequently prescribed for focal seizures and some generalized seizure types
• Topiramate: used for seizures and sometimes migraine prevention
• For neuropathic pain, other options include tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine, and topical agents such as lidocaine patches

Discuss expected benefits, not impossible adverse reactions and likely costs as advised by your prescriber. For a summary of typical costs see Estimated public pricing levels in Australia. Revert toward the uppermost part of this document Go to the page top.

Budget estimates for Australia

Prices depend on pharmacy, whether the medicine is generic or brand, strength, pack size and PBS subsidy status. The figures below are tentative and may change.

• Gabapentin (generic or Neurontin): for PBS-subsidised supplies most people pay the PBS co payment (about AUD 31 per standard script for general patients; around AUD 7 for concession card holders). Private prescriptions for non PBS signs can range roughly from AUD 10 to AUD 45 depending on strength and pack size.
• Pregabalin: often PBS subsidised for neuropathic pain; typical private retail prices for a mid sized pack are about AUD 15 to AUD 40.
• Other antiepileptics such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate are widely available and many formulations are PBS listed; most patients pay the standard PBS co payment when eligible.

Ask your local pharmacist about current PBS listings together with the most cost effective generics for your prescription. Go back to the crest: Page top link.

Australia law and regulation notes

Key legal points when obtaining and using gabapentin in Australia are given below.

• Scheduling: Gabapentin is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine under the Australian Poisons Standard and requires a valid prescription
• Driving: If gabapentin causes drowsiness, dizziness or visual disturbance you should not drive or operate heavy machinery. People with epilepsy must follow Austroads guidance and state licensing rules on fitness to drive
• Personal importation: The TGA Private Import Scheme may allow import of up to a three month supply for personal use with a valid prescription together with the medicine in original packaging; check current TGA guidance before importing
• Online purchase: Only obtain prescription medicines from reputable Australian pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid unverified international websites
• Do not share prescription medicines. Store them securely and return unused supplies to a pharmacy for safe disposal

Regulations and PBS listings can change. Confirm current rules with your prescriber, pharmacist or the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Scroll to the crest: Return to the point you were at the page top.

Help, emergency and contacts

Use the contacts below for urgent medical advice about poisoning, severe latent effects or mental health crises.

• Emergency services: Dial 000 for immediate medical emergencies
• Poisons Information Centre (Australia): Call 13 11 26 for 24 hour advice on overdose deaths and poisoning
• For non urgent medication questions speak with your pharmacist or the clinician who prescribed the medicine

If you feel very low or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek urgent help by calling emergency services or a local crisis line in your state or territory. Navigate back to the pinnacle: Scroll to top.