Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) and nerve pain reliever
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Gabapentin is a medicine that works by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain and body, helping to reduce seizures (convulsions) and relieve certain types of nerve pain.
Binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx and decreasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P), thereby suppressing abnormal neuronal activity and neuropathic pain.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For adults, you usually start with 300 mg once on the first day, then 300 mg twice on the second day, then 300 mg three times a day from the third day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually up to 1800 mg per day depending on your condition. You can take it with or without food, but swallow the capsule whole with water. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day — do not go more than 12 hours between doses.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. Try not to go longer than 12 hours between doses.
Gabapentin is a prescription-only medicine — do not buy it from roadside sellers or take someone else's prescription, as wrong doses can be dangerous. Do not suddenly stop taking gabapentin on your own as this can trigger seizures — your doctor should gradually reduce your dose. This medicine can make you very drowsy, so avoid driving, operating machines, or doing anything that requires full alertness until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol can make the drowsiness and dizziness from gabapentin much worse — avoid drinking while on this medicine. Antacids like magnesium or aluminium-based ones (e.g. Gestid, Maalox) can reduce how well gabapentin works — take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking antacids. Strong painkillers like tramadol or codeine combined with gabapentin can cause dangerous breathing problems.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Gabapentin with your other drugs?
Gabapentin may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — do not take it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically says it is okay.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the capsules in their original container and always store out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Gabapentin?
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