Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medication approved by the FDA to treat several conditions. Doctors sometimes prescribe gabapentin “off-label” to treat other conditions as well. A 2022 report stated that gabapentin was among the 10 most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S.
What is gabapentin and what is it used for?
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.
FDA is warning that serious breathing difficulties may occur when gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) is taken with other medicines that depress the central nervous system (CNS) such as opioids, in those patients who have underlying respiratory problems, or in the elderly.
There is less evidence supporting the risk of serious breathing difficulties with gabapentinoids alone in otherwise healthy individuals, and we will continue to monitor this population for additional evidence.
Respiratory problems can be life-threatening, so seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you are caring for experiences the following symptoms:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Unusual dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme sleepiness
- Slowed, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Unresponsiveness, which means the person doesn’t answer or react normally or you can’t wake them up
- Bluish-colored or tinted skin, especially on the lips, fingers, and toes
Always take gabapentinoids as prescribed. Do not take more of the medicine or take it more often than prescribed because doing so can cause serious problems or death.
Always tell all your health care professionals about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. It is helpful to keep a list of all your current medicines in your wallet or another location where it is easily retrieved. You can fill out and print a copy of My Medicine Record.
Read the patient Medication Guide every time you receive a prescription for a gabapentinoid. The Medication Guide will be updated with new or other important information about your medicine. The Medication Guide explains the important things that you need to know. These include the side effects, what the medicine is used for, interactions with other medicines, how to take and store it properly, and other things to watch out for when you are taking the medicine.
Talk to your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns.
To help FDA track safety issues with medicines, report side effects from gabapentin, pregabalin, or other medicines to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the “Contact FDA” box at the bottom of this page.