Gabapentin oral capsules and oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drug Neurontin. This article describes gabapentin oral capsule and oral tablet dosages. It also discusses their available strengths and details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for gabapentin.
If you want to know more about gabapentin, see this overview article. It covers details about taking gabapentin, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Gabapentin oral forms come as follows:
- Oral capsule, which you’ll swallow. It’s available in strengths of:
- 100 milligrams (mg)
- 300 mg
- 400 mg
- Oral tablet, which you’ll swallow. It’s available in strengths of:
Dosage of gabapentin
This article describes the recommended dosages* for gabapentin oral forms.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides the recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes gabapentin, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.
Usual recommended dosages of gabapentin in adults
Doctors will usually start by prescribing a low dosage of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of gabapentin that gives the desired outcome.
For some people, the “smallest dosage” could mean taking the maximum dosage for nerve pain or focal onset seizure.
The information below summarizes dosages commonly prescribed, such as the normal dosage for nerve pain. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes to you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
Dosage for nerve pain and other conditions in adults
The following table shows the recommended dosages of gabapentin oral capsules and tablets for adults.
* Suggested times for doses to be taken two times in a day are 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
† Suggested times for doses to be taken three times in a day are 6:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Dosages of gabapentin in children
Gabapentin oral capsules and tablets are approved to treat focal onset seizure in children ages 3 years and older. For this purpose, gabapentin is used together with other drugs that treat seizures. Doctors may refer to these as antiepileptic drugs.
Gabapentin’s dosage in children depends on the child’s age. Continue reading for details.
Dosages of gabapentin in children ages 12 years and older
Gabapentin is approved to treat focal onset seizure in children ages 12 years and older. For this use in these children, dosages are the same as dosages for this use in adults. To learn more, see the table above in “Dosage for nerve pain and other conditions in adults.”
Dosages of gabapentin in children ages 3 to 11 years
Gabapentin is approved to treat focal onset seizure in children ages 3 to 11 years. For this use in these children, doctors base dosages on two factors. The first is the child’s specific age. The second is the child’s body weight in kilograms. (For reference, 1 kilogram [kg] equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].)
The table below shows these dosages.
For example, assume that a doctor prescribes gabapentin for a 7-year-old child weighing 50 lb (about 23 kg). The dosages for this child will be as follows.
- The starting dose will be 230 mg to 345 mg per day, divided into three doses. The doctor will round the dose up or down to match gabapentin’s available strengths. In this case, 230 mg to 345 mg will be rounded to 300 mg per day. This dose will be divided into three daily doses of 100 mg each.
- The usual dose will be 575 mg per day, divided into three doses.
- The maximum dosage will be 1,150 mg per day, divided into three doses.
Dosage adjustments for gabapentin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Your doctor may adjust your gabapentin dosage if you have kidney problems. An example is chronic kidney disease.
Missed dose of gabapentin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any missed doses of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets. They can advise whether you should take the missed dose. Or they can advise whether you should skip it and take your next scheduled dose.
For tips on planning doses of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets and avoiding missed doses, read this article. You could also try downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm.
How gabapentin is taken
You’ll take gabapentin oral capsules and tablets by mouth. Depending on your prescription, you’ll swallow them two or three times per day. You can take either form of gabapentin with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take your gabapentin doses around the same times each day. This can help keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. Doing so helps the drug work more effectively.
You’ll need to swallow gabapentin capsules whole. Do not crush, split, chew, or open the capsules. You can split gabapentin tablets in half, but do not crush or chew them.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules or tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Gabapentin coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for gabapentin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Frequently asked questions
This section presents answers to some questions commonly asked about gabapentin oral forms and dosage.
Is there a recommended gabapentin dosage for dogs based on weight?
Veterinarians might prescribe gabapentin to dogs for treating conditions such as seizures, pain, or anxiety.
To learn more about these uses and possible dosages, speak with your veterinarian. Do not administer gabapentin to an animal without qualified medical guidance.
Do doctors prescribe gabapentin for anxiety? If so, what’s the gabapentin dosage for anxiety?
Gabapentin is not approved for treating anxiety. But doctors still might prescribe it off-label for this use. Off-label use means a drug is used for a purpose that’s not one of its approved uses.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about taking gabapentin off-label, such as for treating anxiety.
What’s the lowest dosage of gabapentin for nerve pain?
The lowest gabapentin dosage recommended for treating nerve pain following shingles is 300 milligrams (mg) three times per day. This is the only kind of nerve pain gabapentin is approved to treat.
Doctors sometimes prescribe gabapentin off-label for a kind of nerve pain called sciatica. Off-label use means a drug is used for a purpose that’s not one of its approved uses. Your doctor can recommend a dosage for sciatica nerve pain.
Review the “Dosage of gabapentin” section above to learn more about dosages for gabapentin’s approved uses.
Is gabapentin used for sleep or chronic pain? If it is, what’s the dosage for sleep or chronic pain?
Gabapentin is not approved for treating sleep problems or chronic pain. But doctors still might prescribe it off-label for this use. Off-label use means a drug is used for a purpose that’s not one of its approved uses.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about taking gabapentin off-label, such as for sleep or chronic pain.
Is gabapentin taken long term?
Yes, doctors usually prescribe gabapentin oral capsules and tablets as a long-term treatment.
If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Is there a risk of withdrawal when stopping gabapentin?
Withdrawal is possible when stopping gabapentin. But when taking gabapentin at recommended doses, withdrawal symptoms aren’t expected. (Withdrawal means you have symptoms when you suddenly stop a medication. This is because your body is physically dependent on it and needs it to function like usual.)
Studies for the oral capsule and the oral tablet didn’t note withdrawal symptoms.
But, since the time gabapentin was approved, people have made rare reports of withdrawal symptoms. People reporting these symptoms had taken gabapentin at doses higher than those recommended. They also took the drug to treat conditions that gabapentin isn’t approved to treat. Their withdrawal symptoms included feeling agitated, disoriented, and confused.
To minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, take only the dose of gabapentin your doctor prescribes. You can learn more about approved recommended doses in the “Dosage of gabapentin” section above.
Overdose of gabapentin
It’s important that you do not take more gabapentin oral capsules or tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of gabapentin overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- double vision
- tremor
- slurred speech
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- diarrhea
- trouble breathing
In extreme and rare cases, gabapentin overdosage has been reported to lead to death.
What to do if you take too much gabapentin
If you think you’ve taken too much gabapentin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or, you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for gabapentin oral capsules and tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of gabapentin oral capsules or tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take gabapentin oral capsules or tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes them.
Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
You may want to ask your doctor these suggested questions:
- Will you adjust my gabapentin dosage based on other medications I take?
- If I have side effects from taking gabapentin, will you lower the dosage for my condition?
- If my current dose isn’t working to treat my condition, how often will you adjust my gabapentin dose?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
