gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is used to treat seizures and post-herpetic neuralgia (pain from nerve damage from shingles). Gabapentin may also be used off-label for certain other conditions like anxiety. An off-label use is when a medication is used for a purpose other than its approved uses.

Gabapentin is not a federally controlled substance. However, in some states, gabapentin is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance, which means the medication is more strictly monitored because of its potential for misuse. If you have questions about whether gabapentin is a controlled substance in your state, talk with your provider or pharmacist.

It's possible for gabapentin to cause some weight gain—something that has been seen in some studies—though this is not a common side effect of the medication. Gabapentin typically doesn't cause weight loss. However, the medication can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this is serious, you may have some temporary weight loss. Tell your provider right away if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting with gabapentin treatment. If you're concerned about weight gain or weight loss with gabapentin use, talk with your provider.

No, gabapentin is not a narcotic and is not a federally controlled substance. However, in some states, gabapentin is a Schedule V controlled substance, or the medication's use is strictly monitored due to the medication's potential for misuse. If you'd like to learn more about gabapentin, talk with your provider.

In some cases, gabapentin can be addictive, meaning that someone needs to take more in order to have the same effect. Some people who misuse gabapentin, especially with opioid-type medications, may develop dependence and addiction to the medication. Dependence is when your body becomes used to a medication and needs it to feel as it usually would. If you've been prescribed gabapentin, take it exactly as prescribed.

Yes, gabapentin can cause sleepiness, drowsiness, or dizziness—all common side effects of the medication. When you begin treatment with gabapentin, be careful performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.

Gabapentin starts to work soon after you begin taking it. However, it may take several weeks of taking the medication before you notice an improvement in your condition. If you have questions about how gabapentin works, talk with your provider. Don't take gabapentin in higher doses or more often than your provider has prescribed. This can increase your risk for overdose and dependence on gabapentin.

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.