Gabapentin is a prescription medicine. It's important to take it as advised by your doctor.
Dosage and how to take gabapentin
Each capsule of gabapentin contains 100mg, 300mg or 400mg of gabapentin. Each tablet contains 600mg or 800mg of gabapentin.
If you're taking gabapentin as a liquid, it usually contains 50mg in 1ml of liquid. Always check the label.
Dosage for epilepsy
The usual dose for:
- adults and older children (aged 12 and over) is 900mg to 3,600mg a day, split into 3 doses
- younger children (aged 6 to 12 years) – varies depending on their weight
Dosage for nerve pain
The usual dose to treat nerve pain in adults is 900mg to 3,600mg a day, split into 3 doses.
Changes to your dose
To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will prescribe a low dose to start with and then increase it over a few days.
When you find a dose that suits you, it will usually stay the same.
How to take it
Swallow gabapentin capsules and tablets whole with a drink of water or juice. Do not chew them.
You can take gabapentin with or without food.
Try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, you could take it first thing in the morning, early afternoon and at bedtime.
If you or your child are taking a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to measure your dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen spoon, as it will not measure the right amount.
How long to take it for
If you have epilepsy, it's likely that when your condition is under control you'll still need to take gabapentin for many years.
If you have nerve pain, when your pain has gone you'll continue to take gabapentin for several months or longer to stop it coming back.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's within 2 hours of your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you have epilepsy, it's important to take this medicine regularly. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking too much gabapentin can cause unpleasant side effects.
Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 now if:
You take more than your prescribed dose of gabapentin and you:
- feel dizzy or sleepy
- have double vision
- start slurring your words
- pass out (faint)
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of gabapentin
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the gabapentin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Stopping gabapentin
It's important you do not suddenly stop taking gabapentin, even if you feel better. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause serious problems.
If you have epilepsy, stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop.
If you're taking it for any reason and stop suddenly, you may have severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling sick
- pain
- sweating
It's possible to prevent withdrawal seizures and other symptoms by gradually reducing the dose of gabapentin.
Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor first. You'll need to reduce your dose gradually.