Gabapentin is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. It’s commonly used to treat various health conditions, and although it was initially developed to manage epilepsy, it has several other uses. Here’s a full analysis of the main conditions for which gabapentin is used so you can understand its diverse applications.

Gabapentin Is Used to Control Seizures in Epilepsy

One of the primary uses of gabapentin is to help control seizures, especially in people with partial-onset seizures. This means it’s often prescribed for people with epilepsy who still have seizures despite taking other medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, gabapentin doesn’t stop seizures altogether but helps reduce their frequency and severity when used as part of a treatment plan. It’s usually taken alongside other anti-seizure medications to help manage epilepsy effectively.

Gabapentin Is Prescribed for Nerve Pain or Neuropathic Pain

Gabapentin is widely used to relieve nerve pain or neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by damaged or irritated nerves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved gabapentin for treating two specific types of nerve pain:

Postherpetic neuralgia: This is pain that occurs after an outbreak of shingles. Even after the rash heals, some people experience burning, stabbing, or aching pain, which gabapentin can help manage.
Diabetic neuropathy: In some cases, gabapentin is prescribed to help people with diabetes who suffer from nerve pain, such as tingling or burning sensations in their hands and feet.

Because of its effectiveness, doctors may also prescribe gabapentin for other forms of nerve pain, such as sciatica or pain following spinal cord injuries, even though these uses are considered “off-label.

Gabapentin Helps Treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Gabapentin can also be used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a condition that causes an uncontrollable desire to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like itching, tingling, or crawling. In particular, gabapentin enacarbil (a long-acting form of gabapentin) is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe RLS. This medication helps reduce these sensations, making it easier to relax and sleep at night.

Gabapentin Is Sometimes Used for Anxiety Disorders

Although gabapentin isn’t officially approved to treat anxiety disorders, some doctors prescribe it off-label for this purpose. Research has shown that gabapentin can have calming effects on the brain, making it helpful for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. This use is more common in cases where traditional anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines, are not effective or cause unwanted side effects.

Gabapentin Helps Manage Hot Flashes During Menopause

Gabapentin is also sometimes prescribed off-label to help manage hot flashes during menopause. For women who experience severe hot flashes and can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to health risks or personal preference, gabapentin offers an alternative. Studies have found that it can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, making it easier to cope with menopause symptoms.

Gabapentin May Be Used for Migraine Prevention

Gabapentin is occasionally used off-label to prevent migraines in people who suffer from frequent or severe headaches. Although it’s not a first-choice medication for this purpose, some people find that gabapentin helps reduce the number and intensity of migraines they experience.

How Does Gabapentin Work?

Gabapentin works by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps calm nerve activity. While the exact way gabapentin works is still not fully understood, experts believe it affects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which play a role in calming nerve signals. This is why it’s effective for conditions involving nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin can cause some side effects, especially when you first start taking it. The most common ones include:

Drowsiness or dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Coordination problems or difficulty walking
Blurred vision

In some cases, gabapentin can also cause more serious side effects, such as mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking gabapentin.

Can You Take Gabapentin With Other Medications?

Gabapentin can interact with certain medications, so it’s crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you’re taking. For example, gabapentin may interact with antacids (containing aluminum or magnesium), opioids, or other drugs that cause drowsiness. Your doctor will help you avoid potential interactions by adjusting your dosage or prescribing a different medication if needed.