However, for some people, it can take longer to see benefits.
Gabapentin is approved to treat seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, a jot down of nerve pain from shingles.
Safety Warning
Taking antiepileptic drugs like gabapentin can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
clubfoto / Getty Images
If you have suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
Today, it is also used as a first-line treatment for postherpetic neuralgia.
It is available only as a prescription.
Dosage forms of gabapentin include capsules, tablets, and a solution.
Neurontin is the immediate-release (IR) formulation of gabapentin that is indicated to treat seizures and postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin is also marketed under extended-release (ER) forms:
These formulations are not interchangeable.
Gabapentin is structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmittergamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain.
However, the exact mechanism by which gabapentin works to alleviate nerve pain is not completely clear.
How Long Does Gabapentin Take to Work for Nerve Pain?
It may depend on your dose and individual response to the medication.
It is important to be patient and continue taking it as prescribed.
Long-Term Use of Gabapentin
Neuropathic pain is challenging to treat effectively.
Many people will not benefit from just one intervention alone, so a combination of strategies is often recommended.
Since nerve pain can be long-lasting and recurring, extended treatment may be required in some cases.
How Much Gabapentin Do I Take for Nerve Pain?
Do not change your dosage without talking to your healthcare provider.
Taking too much gabapentin can be dangerous or cause serious side effects.
Take it on the same day unless it is too close to the time of your next dose.
If it is too close to the next dose, skip the missed dose.
Resume the regular dosing schedule the following day.
Do not take extra to make up for the missed dose.
Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Gabapentin?
If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking gabapentin, call 911 immediately.
Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
Summary
If you are experiencing nerve pain, gabapentin may be a suitable medication.
However, it may take some time to determine if it is effective for you.
The medication can take a few weeks to reach its full potential.
For some people, it may take even longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not stop taking gabapentin without consulting with your healthcare provider.
Many people stay on gabapentin long-term and take it every day.
Your healthcare provider may suggest starting gabapentin once a day, depending on what you’re using it for.
Most people will end up taking gabapentin three times daily.
This will help optimize its effectiveness.
Cooper TE, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA.Gabapentin for fibromyalgia pain in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2017;1(1):CD012188.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012188.pub2
Weresch J, Kirkwood J, Korownyk CS.Gabapentin for alcohol use disorder.Can Fam Physician.
2021;67(4):269. doi:10.46747/cfp.6704269
DailyMed.Label: Horizant- gabapentin enacarbil tablet, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Gralise- gabapentin tablet, film coated, Gralise Starter Pack- gabapentin kit.
Xu L, Zhang Y, Huang Y.Advances in the treatment of neuropathic pain.Adv Exp Med Biol.
2017;6(6):CD007938.
2019;20(Suppl 1):S2-S12.
doi:10.1093/pm/pnz075
Food and Drug Administration.
