Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an antiepileptic that’s also used to help with nerve pain. It has a similar structure to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that calms nerves.
It’s not completely known how gabapentin (Neurontin) works to treat seizures or nerve pain, but it’s thought to work by lowering the activation of nerves involved with causing nerve pain and seizures.
What is gabapentin (Neurontin) used for?
- Nerve pain from shingles in adults
- Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older
Forms and strengths
Generic: Gabapentin
- Form: oral capsule
- Strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Brand: Neurontin
- Form: oral capsule
- Strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Dosage for postherpetic neuralgia
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
- Typical starting dosage: Day 1, 300 mg; day 2, 600 mg (300 mg two times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day); day 3, 900 mg (300 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day). Your doctor may further increase your dosage after day 3.
- Maximum dosage: 1,800 mg per day (600 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day)
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
Dosage for people younger than 18 years has not been established.
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your kidney function may decrease with age. Your body may get rid of this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. Your doctor may change your dose based on how well your kidneys are working.
Dosage for partial-onset seizures
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Typical starting dosage: 900 mg per day (300 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day). Your doctor may increase your dose to 2,400–3,600 mg per day.
Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)
Typical starting dosage: 900 mg per day (300 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day). The usual maintenance dose is 900–1,800 mg per day, divided into three doses daily. Your doctor may increase this dose to 2,400–3,600 mg per day.
Child dosage (ages 3–11 years)
Typical starting dosage: 10–15 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses, spaced evenly throughout the day. Your child’s doctor may increase the dosage to meet your child’s needs.
Child dosage (ages 0–2 years)
Dosage for people younger than 3 years has not been established.
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your kidney function may decrease with age. Your body may get rid of this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. Your doctor may change your dose based on how well your kidneys are working.
Special considerations
Kidney problems: If you are older than 12 years and have kidney problems or are on hemodialysis, your dose of gabapentin will need to be changed. This will be based on how well your kidneys are working.