Is gabapentin for dogs the same as for humans?

Gabapentin is a medication doctors use to treat seizures in people with epilepsy and nerve pain due to conditions like shingles and diabetes. It is available as the brand-name drug Neurontin.

Gabapentin has other off-label uses. For instance, veterinarians may use it in combination with other drugs to manage seizures, pain, and anxiety in dogs. 

Although the active ingredient in the medication is the same for humans and dogs, you should never take medication that’s been prescribed for your dog or vice versa. Always follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions with any medication to avoid harming your health or that of your pet.

What is gabapentin used for in humans?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) belongs to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants.

It comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. Gabapentin can help stop seizures by reducing irregular electrical activity and excitement in the brain. For nerve pain (neuralgia), gabapentin helps block the pain messages sent through the brain and spine. 

In people, gabapentin can help manage the symptoms of conditions such as:

• epilepsy
• shingles
• diabetes
• chronic nerve pain
• restless leg syndrome

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What is gabapentin used for in dogs?

Veterinarians use gabapentin off-label to treat certain conditions and symptoms in dogs, such as:

• canine epilepsy
• nerve pain 
• chronic pain 
• anxiety or panic
• phobias, including storm phobias
• arthritis
• pain after surgery

Off-label use means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the drug for that purpose, but healthcare professionals, including vets, might still prescribe it if they think it will help.

Although some of the uses of gabapentin among people and dogs are similar, there are key differences in the use of the medication.

How does gabapentin differ in dogs vs. humans?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication. This means that a healthcare professional prescribes this medication for a specific condition. The dosage and form for humans depends on several factors, such as:

• the condition its treating
• your age (dosing differs for adults and children)
• whether you have any other underlying health conditions

Gabapentin comes in different forms and doses for people. The doses are expressed in milligrams (mg) and milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL):

• Tablet: 100 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg
• Capsule: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
• Liquid: 250 mg/5 mL

On the other hand, gabapentin is used off-label in dogs. Off-label (also known as extra-label) use of drugs in the veterinary field is common, and there are laws and regulations vets must stick to if they’re prescribing off-label. But it is the same active ingredient that is given to humans.

Vets use gabapentin for dogs differently than gabapentin for humans. For example, dogs can’t take liquid gabapentin made for humans because it’s usually mixed with the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can be toxic and fatal for dogs.

In dogs, gabapentin is also used in combination with other drugs, such as trazodone, to treat conditions like canine anxiety.

Another difference is that the dosage of gabapentin for dogs depends on the dog’s weight, which varies a lot depending on breed, size, and condition. For example, one study into gabapentin’s use in dogs to reduce stress during vet visits found that 50 mg/kg was generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects in dogs weighing up to 40 kilograms (kg).

Are the side effects of gabapentin the same in humans and dogs?

Gabapentin can cause certain side effects for both humans and dogs that include:

• drowsiness
• unsteadiness
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue

Remember to take gabapentin only as directed by a healthcare professional. While gabapentin isn’t usually classified as a controlled substance, rates of misuse are increasing with off-label use. Misusing gabapentin or taking gabapentin not prescribed for you can harm your health.

Also, giving gabapentin to your dog without knowing the correct dosage for your dog’s breed, size, and condition could lead to serious side effects. Liquid gabapentin, especially, can be lethal if it’s given to a dog. Always consult with your vet before giving gabapentin to your dog.

Alternative medications

If you’re allergic to gabapentin or not responding to the medication, your healthcare professional may recommend other medications, such as:

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• levetiracetam (Keppra)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)
• topiramate (Topamax)

For your dog, gabapentin may not be the most suitable medication if they have liver and kidney problems or they’re allergic to gabapentin. Other medications that help ease nerve pain, arthritis, and anxiety in dogs are available. Some are FDA-approved and include:

• fluoxetine (Reconcile)
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• clomipramine (Clomicalm)

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Summary

Gabapentin is a prescription medication approved to treat seizures and nerve pain in humans. Veterinarians also use this medication off-label to treat chronic pain, arthritis, and anxiety in dogs.

Gabapentin for humans should not be given to dogs without a veterinarian’s recommendation, approval, and supervision. This is because gabapentin’s formulation for humans may contain certain substances, like xylitol, that are toxic for dogs.

Dosage for humans and dogs also varies widely. Experts caution not to give your medication to your dog nor take medication prescribed for your dog. It’s important to always follow a doctor’s instructions with any prescription medication to avoid harming your health or that of your pet.