Gabapentin: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Brand names: Gabapentin
# Gabapentin: What You Need to Know Gabapentin is a medicine used to treat nerve pain, especially pain caused by shingles (a painful skin rash). It can also be used to help control certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. This medication works by calming overactive nerves in your body that send pain signals to your brain. Doctors may prescribe it when other treatments haven't worked well enough or when patients need extra help managing their symptoms. Since gabapentin affects your nervous system, it's important to use it safely. You should never suddenly stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. Be very careful if you're also taking painkillers called opioids (like morphine or hydrocodone), because together they can cause serious breathing problems and drowsiness that could be dangerous. Common side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and trouble with coordination, so don't drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Always take gabapentin exactly as your doctor prescribes, and tell your doctor about all other medicines you're taking to avoid harmful interactions.
Known Interactions (4)
Taking Gabapentin with other medications?
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Check Now ↓Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE29,096 reports
- FATIGUE24,479 reports
- NAUSEA22,031 reports
- PAIN20,813 reports
- OFF LABEL USE19,092 reports
- DIARRHOEA17,503 reports
- HEADACHE17,377 reports
- DIZZINESS16,088 reports
- FALL15,226 reports
- DYSPNOEA13,783 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Recent Recalls (5)
- Class II
The Harvard Drug Group LLC · October 10, 2025
Gabapentin Capsules, USP, 100 mg, 100 Capsules (10 x 10 blister packs), Rx only, Packaged and Distributed by: Major Pharmaceuticals, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA, NDC 0904-6665-61Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: an out of specification result obtained during routine stability testing for Highest Unknown Impurity .
- Class II
The Harvard Drug Group LLC · October 10, 2025
Gabapentin Capsules, USP, 100 mg, 10 Capsules (10 x 1 blister pack), Rx only, Packaged and Distributed by: Major Pharmaceuticals, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA, NDC 0904-6665-61 (Blister pack), NDC 5515Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: an out of specification result obtained during routine stability testing for Highest Unknown Impurity .
- Class II
The Harvard Drug Group LLC · June 19, 2025
Gabapentin Capsules, USP, 100 mg, 100 capsules (10x10), blister pack cartons, Rx only, Packaged and Distributed by: MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS, Indianapolis, IN, 46268 USA, NDC 0904-6665-61Defective container; blister packaging inadequately sealed.
- Class II
The Harvard Drug Group LLC · June 19, 2025
Gabapentin Capsules, USP, 100 mg, 10 capsules (10x1) per bag, Rx only, Packaged and Distributed by: MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS, Indianapolis, IN, 46268 USA, Distributed by Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH 43017Defective container; blister packaging inadequately sealed.
Source: FDA (openFDA Drug Enforcement). Voluntary and mandated recalls affecting this drug.
Check interactions with Gabapentin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.