Gabapentin is used to control seizures, to treat nerve pain that can happen after having had shingles, and to treat a condition called restless legs syndrome.
In addition to these FDA-approved uses, doctors sometimes prescribe gabapentin off-label. Off-label use means there is some evidence to show that a drug may be medically appropriate to treat conditions other than those for which it was approved.
Gabapentin is sold under the brand name Neurontin and is available as a generic product as well. (Generic medications are chemically the same as brand-name drugs but may cost less.) Gabapentin is also available as an extended-release tablet that works for a longer length of time; this is the only formulation that is approved for restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin is taken by mouth and comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid form.
Conditions treated with gabapentin
Gabapentin is FDA-approved as Neurontin to treat partial seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Partial seizures are convulsions that originate from a single location in the brain.
Neurontin is also approved to treat a type of nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. PHN can happen after a person has had shingles, an infection from the same virus as chickenpox that causes a painful rash or blisters. Nerve pain from PHN can last for months, or even longer, after the rash has gone away.
An extended-release form of gabapentin is also FDA-approved to treat PHN.
Another extended-release form of gabapentin is FDA-approved to treat restless legs syndrome. This condition causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them around, especially at night, which disrupts sleep.
Off-label Uses for Gabapentin
Gabapentin, originally developed as an anticonvulsant and FDA-approved for conditions such as epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, is widely prescribed for various off-label uses. Off-label means using a medication for a purpose not officially approved by regulatory agencies but supported by clinical practice or research. Here are some common off-label uses for gabapentin:
1. Chronic Pain Conditions
- Neuropathic Pain: Gabapentin is often used for types of nerve pain not specifically approved by the FDA, such as diabetic neuropathy and sciatica.
- Fibromyalgia: While not officially approved, gabapentin may help reduce pain and improve sleep in fibromyalgia patients.
2. Psychiatric Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders: Gabapentin can help manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety in some cases.
- Bipolar Disorder: Occasionally used as an adjunct therapy for mood stabilization, though evidence is mixed.
3. Sleep Disorders
- Insomnia: Gabapentin can improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals with pain or other co-occurring conditions.
4. Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
- Alcohol Withdrawal: Gabapentin may help reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety, tremors, and cravings.
- Cocaine and Cannabis Use Disorders: It has been investigated for reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in these contexts.
5. Migraine Prophylaxis
- Though not officially approved, gabapentin is sometimes used to prevent migraines due to its effects on the nervous system.
6. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
- Gabapentin can alleviate the discomfort and improve sleep in individuals with RLS.
7. Menopausal Symptoms
- Used to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women.
8. Pruritus (Itching)
- Effective in treating chronic itching, particularly in conditions like kidney failure or liver disease.
9. Post-Surgical Pain
- Sometimes prescribed to manage acute pain after surgery, especially in procedures with a high risk of neuropathic pain.