Neurontin
(gabapentin)
Treats tingling and burning nerve pain.
Our bottom line
Neurontin (gabapentin) is an old seizure disorder medicine that is now used to treat nerve-related pain caused by different conditions.
- Price before coupon$991.33
- Lowest price with coupon$599.36
- Savings40%
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (gabapentin)
Upsides
- Originally used to treat epilepsy (partial seizures), but now it primarily treats neuropathic pain that's caused by nerve stimulation or damage.
- Studies show it's most effective for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia (a painful muscle condition).
- It's available as a generic, so it's less expensive than similar medications.
What to expect from Neurontin, on one page
Downsides
- Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause some side effects, including memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. There is a higher risk for these side effects if you drink alcohol, so it might not be the best medication for heavy drinkers.
- You can't skip or miss doses since suddenly stopping Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause seizures.
What to expect from Neurontin, on one page
Neurontin (gabapentin) is an antiepileptic and nerve pain reliever. Researchers don't know exactly how it works, but it has a similar structure to GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (gabapentin)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$599.36
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$599.36
What to expect when you take Neurontin (gabapentin) for Pain from shingles
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Swelling in the limbs
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Worse coordination
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Neurontin (gabapentin)
- Dizziness28%28%8%8%
- Drowsiness21%21%5%5%
- Swelling in the limbs8%8%2%2%
- Abnormal physical weakness6%6%5%5%
- Diarrhea6%6%3%3%
- Infection5%5%4%4%
- Dry mouth5%5%1%1%
- Constipation4%4%2%2%
- Nausea4%4%3%3%
- Headache3%3%3%3%
- Accidental injury3%3%1%1%
- Stomach pain3%3%3%3%
- Vomiting3%3%2%2%
- Worse coordination3%3%
- Thinking abnormal3%3%
- Decreased vision3%3%1%1%
- Gas2%2%2%2%
- Weight gain2%2%
- Abnormal gait2%2%
- Lack of coordination2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Neurontin.
People taking Neurontin felt side effect more
People taking Neurontin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Neurontin (gabapentin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Neurontin (gabapentin) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior as early as 1 week after starting treatment. Watch for the start or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Tell your doctor immediately if you are worried.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adolescents and adults over 12 years of age with epilepsy.Common concerns from people taking Neurontin (gabapentin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed gabapentinon 3/1/2018Never to have alcohol when taking it. I noticed the new prescriptions of Gabipentin now has warnings about alcohol and even driving.55WomanTwo years or moreNerve pain
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed Neurontinon 7/17/2017Give it time to work, but be prepped to feel like you're on an alcohol bender I still get the woozy, talkative, forgetful side effects and I've been on it over 2 months now!!40WomanA few monthsNerve pain
- Take the extended-release tablet (Gralise) with food.
- Studies show it's most effective for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia (a painful muscle condition).
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed gabapentinon 2/10/2018Used for chronic pain for about 5yrs or so, then suddenly I built up an immunity to it and it was no longer effective. I gained about 20lbs while on this med too. First few months were hard in adjusting with its brain fog, sleepiness and the like.46WomanTwo years or moreNerve pain
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed gabapentinon 11/2/2020Works ok for nerve pain but made me exhausted 24/7.51WomanA month or soNerve pain
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Neurontinon 11/3/2019Did nothing for pain48WomanA month or soFibromyalgia
- Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) can make you feel sleepy, tired, and affect your coordination. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how Neurontin (gabapentin) affects you.
- Take doses at bedtime to avoid dizziness and drowsiness.
- Neurontin (gabapentin) can cause some side effects, including memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. There is a higher risk for these side effects if you drink alcohol, so it might not be the best medication for heavy drinkers.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed gabapentinon 5/8/2020It takes away most of the nerve pain, helps for anxiety and to sleep. But definitely can make you drowsy and clumsy. A couple times already where I didn’t take it all day and had a silent seizure. But I have also had experience one before I started on gabapentin. When I drank alcohol with gabapentin in my system I blacked out.28WomanA year or soFibromyalgia
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Neurontinon 8/23/2015I take it for nerve pain in my feet caused by MS. It makes me drowsy so I only take it at night but it has helped. Can't say if it has made dizziness or drowsiness worse because virtually every MS drug has those side effects.54WomanTwo years or moreNerve pain
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed gabapentinon 3/20/2020Weight gain will definitely a cure!! On it now for one month and have gained 15 lbs in stomach area! Great for anxiety! Feel out of it most of the time!58WomanA few monthsRestless legs syndrome
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed NeurontinI wish I'd known that I would gain so much weight, and that even consistent dieting and regular exercise doesn't help me lose much. The price is right----my doctor has tried to switch me to cymbalta because of wt. gain, but it's $$$$$$$$$$65Woman
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed NeurontinHuge weight gain. Went from a size 4 to a size 12 in 6 months. Be careful when you first start taking it. I fell and hit my head the first week I took it. Seemed to work at first, now peripheral neuropathy is back.59Woman