NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Gabapentin

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

An anticonvulsant and analgesic used for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures. Gabapentin is widely used off-label for various neuropathic pain conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes. It is a first-line treatment for neuropathic pain per multiple guidelines.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2019–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

An anticonvulsant and analgesic used for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Start 300 mg on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, 300 mg three times daily on day 3; titrate up to 1800–3600 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia3
  • Adjunctive therapy for partial seizures
  • Off-label: diabetic peripheral neuropathy9
  • Off-label: fibromyalgia pain2,4
  • May improve sleep quality in neuropathic pain patients2,7
What to watch for
  • Dizziness
  • Somnolence
  • Peripheral edema
  • Known hypersensitivity to gabapentin1,2
  • Renal impairment (dose adjustment required based on creatinine clearance)6

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, adjunctive therapy for partial seizures, off-label: diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 10 sources indexed (2019–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx at nerve terminals. This decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate, norepinephrine, substance P) involved in pain signaling and seizure propagation. Despite its name, gabapentin does not bind to GABA receptors or affect GABA uptake or metabolism.

Class
Neuropathic Pain Agent (Gabapentinoid)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Start 300 mg on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, 300 mg three times daily on day 3; titrate up to 1800–3600 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Capsule, tablet, or oral solution

Can be taken with or without food; bioavailability decreases at higher doses due to saturable absorption (L-amino acid transport system)6

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Somnolence
  • Peripheral edema
  • Ataxia and gait disturbance
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Blurred vision
  • Cognitive impairment (difficulty concentrating)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to gabapentin1,2
  • Renal impairment (dose adjustment required based on creatinine clearance)6
  • Do not abruptly discontinue (taper over at least 1 week to avoid seizures)
  • Caution in elderly (increased fall risk)
  • Caution with respiratory depressants (risk of respiratory depression)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Gabapentin, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Gabapentin?

An anticonvulsant and analgesic used for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures. Gabapentin is widely used off-label for various neuropathic pain conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes. It is a first-line treatment for neuropathic pain per multiple guidelines.

What is Gabapentin used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Gabapentin include: Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia; Adjunctive therapy for partial seizures; Off-label: diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Off-label: fibromyalgia pain; May improve sleep quality in neuropathic pain patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Gabapentin?

A typical adult dose of Gabapentin is Start 300 mg on day 1, 300 mg twice daily on day 2, 300 mg three times daily on day 3; titrate up to 1800–3600 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Capsule, tablet, or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Gabapentin?

Reported side effects include dizziness, somnolence, peripheral edema, ataxia and gait disturbance, fatigue, weight gain. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Gabapentin?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Gabapentin in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.