Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to treat conditions involving nerve-related pain and abnormal nerve activity. It works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and nervous system.
Main benefits:
Treats neuropathic (nerve) pain such as diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia
Used as an add-on treatment for partial seizures
Helps with restless legs syndrome
Sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety, hot flashes, or migraine prevention
Main side effects:
Drowsiness and dizziness
Fatigue
Poor coordination or unsteadiness
Swelling in legs or feet
Weight gain
Mood or behavior changes (rare but important to monitor)
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated, but doses are usually started low and increased gradually to reduce side effects.