Neurontin® (gabapentin) for partial seizures and neuropathic pain

What Neurontin® Is and How It Works

Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin, a prescription medicine used for partial seizures and nerve pain such as postherpetic neuralgia. It is taken by mouth as capsules or tablets. The active ingredient, gabapentin, modulates calcium channels in the nervous system and helps calm overactive nerve signaling.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and our pharmacists review every prescription before dispensing.

Neurontin uses include adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and children, and relief of neuropathic pain in adults. Some clinicians consider gabapentin for sleeping or for anxiety and depression, but those are off-label uses that require individualized medical guidance. Immediate-release Neurontin is not the same as extended-release gabapentin products, and they are not interchangeable.

The medicine is absorbed in the small intestine using a saturable transport mechanism. Higher single doses may not raise blood levels proportionally, so total daily dose is divided. It does not bind strongly to proteins and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Dose adjustments are needed when kidney function is reduced.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation for neuropathic pain: Day 1, 300 mg at bedtime; Day 2, 300 mg twice daily; Day 3, 300 mg three times daily. Increase as tolerated toward 900–1,800 mg/day in divided doses.
• Seizure adjunct therapy: Titrate from 900 mg/day (300 mg three times daily). Usual total daily range is 900–1,800 mg/day; up to 3,600 mg/day has been used.
• Available strengths include gabapentin 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg capsules, plus Neurontin tablet options of 600 mg and 800 mg.
• Common prescriptions include Neurontin 300 mg three times daily, 600 mg Neurontin two to three times daily, or 800 mg Neurontin in divided doses.
• Swallow capsules whole. Tablets may be scored; split only if directed by the prescriber. Do not crush extended-release products.
• Separate antacids containing aluminum or magnesium by at least 2 hours after taking gabapentin to avoid reduced absorption.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Do not stop suddenly. Taper gradually under medical supervision to reduce seizure risk and rebound symptoms.
• In renal impairment, dosing intervals and totals require adjustment as directed by the prescriber.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in a dry place. Keep in the original container with the label.
• Protect from moisture. Close the cap tightly after each use.
• For travel, keep tablets and capsules in your carry-on with your prescription. Pack a few extra days of supply.
• Do not leave medicine in a hot car or near heaters. Avoid freezing.
• If a dose pack or bottle becomes wet or damaged, contact the pharmacy for guidance.

Benefits and Savings

Gabapentin can reduce sharp, burning, or shooting nerve pain and improve sleep quality in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. As seizure adjunct therapy, it helps lower seizure frequency when combined with other antiseizure medicines. The dosing is flexible, and generic for Neurontin is widely available, which supports consistent therapy.

Buying at Canadian prices often provides 60–80% savings compared with typical US costs. Multi-month supplies can lower the per-month cost, and optional reorder reminders help maintain continuity. You can find gabapentin for sale in capsules and tablets, including gabapentin 300mg, gabapentin 400mg, and gabapentin 600mg tablet options.

We work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications and a broad range of generics at affordable pricing.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, unsteady gait, tremor, and nystagmus.
• Other effects: swelling in legs, weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, and infection risk such as colds.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.
• Central nervous system: mood changes, memory issues, and coordination problems.
• Skin: rash or itching.

Serious but less common risks include allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), suicidal thoughts or behavior, and severe respiratory depression when combined with opioids or other sedatives. Seek urgent care for swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash. Use caution with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other central nervous system depressants.

Onset Time

Some people notice sedation or dizziness during the first few days of titration. Nerve pain often begins to improve within 1–2 weeks as the dose reaches an effective level. Full benefit may take several weeks. Seizure control is evaluated over weeks to months, with adjustments based on response and tolerability.

Compare With Alternatives

Pregabalin is a related medicine for neuropathic pain and seizures. It has more predictable absorption and is dosed twice daily for most patients, but it can be more expensive. Some patients respond better to gabapentin; others to pregabalin.

Phenytoin is a long-standing antiseizure drug effective for focal seizures and status epilepticus. It requires blood-level monitoring and has a different side effect profile. If a sodium-channel agent is needed, your clinician may consider Dilantin®.

Topiramate treats focal and generalized seizures and is also used for migraine prevention. Cognitive side effects and weight loss are more common. For broader spectrum seizure coverage, clinicians may use Topamax® when appropriate.

Combination Therapy

• Adjunctive use with other antiseizure medicines such as levetiracetam, lamotrigine, topiramate, or phenytoin is common.
• Neuropathic pain regimens may include duloxetine or tricyclic antidepressants. Monitor for additive sedation.
• Avoid combining with unnecessary sedatives. Use extra caution if opioids are prescribed due to respiratory depression risk.
• Space antacids apart from gabapentin dosing to maintain absorption.
• Driving or hazardous work should wait until individual response is known.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

The prescription drug Neurontin may be appropriate for adults with postherpetic neuralgia and for adults and children with partial-onset seizures who need adjunct therapy. It is not typically used for primary generalized epilepsy syndromes. A liquid formulation can help patients who cannot swallow capsules or tablets.

Patients with reduced kidney function need dose adjustments. Older adults may be more sensitive to dizziness and drowsiness and have a higher fall risk. Those with a history of substance misuse should be monitored for misuse or overuse. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, risk and benefit should be weighed with the prescriber.

Consider generic gabapentin to reduce cost. Ordering a 90-day supply can lower the monthly price. Set up a reminder in your account so you can reorder before running out. We offer both brand Neurontin and gabapentin meds at Canadian pricing to help maintain adherence.

Topical gabapentin is a compounded, non-oral option used in certain settings, but it is not the same as Neurontin tablet or capsule products and may not be appropriate for all patients.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Neurontin (gabapentin)

Health Canada Product Monograph: Neurontin (gabapentin)

Pfizer Product Page for Neurontin

Order Neurontin® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber and pharmacist for your individual care.