Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy. It's also taken for nerve pain that can be triggered by various conditions, including shingles, and diabetes. Nerve pain can also happen after an injury. During epilepsy, it is presumed that gabapentin stops seizures by minimizing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Available as generic gabapentin, Neurontin, and Gralise, gabapentin can be taken orally in the following dosage forms: Oral capsules of 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. Oral tablets of 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 600 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, and 900 mg. Oral solutions of 250 mg/5 mL.

Some of the most common side effects of having gabapentin include sleepiness and fatigue, dizziness, headache, inflammation of hands, and legs, uncontrollable shaking of body parts, nausea and vomiting, or anxiety. Critical side effects include multi-organ hypersensitivity, Dark-colored urine, jaundice, and others.

It is unclear, how gabapentin exactly works. In nerve pain, the drug blocks pain, while in epilepsy, it is presumed to stop seizures.

Individuals can get addicted to gabapentin. To stop taking this drug, one should reduce their dose slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Yes, you can take gabapentin while drinking alcohol, but you can feel fatigued or sleepy. It is best to stop drinking for the first few days of taking the drug.

Gabapentin can escalate the side effects of recreational drugs of heroin, and others, triggering anxiety, panic attacks, and memory loss.

Most people need not stay on the same brand of gabapentin, as there is a minute difference between brands. Speak to a physician, if needed to switch to other brands.