Handouts · Medications
Gabapentin & Pregabalin
Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) treat nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety. Generally well tolerated with a few key cautions.
What This Group Is
These calm overactive nerve signals, helping nerve pain, seizures, restless legs, and some anxiety.
They are not classic sedatives, but they can be sedating and, at times, misused.
How to Take It
Take with or without food, usually in divided doses. Start low and increase slowly to limit dizziness.
Do not stop suddenly — taper to avoid rebound symptoms (and, with seizures, breakthrough seizures).
Important FDA Warning
There is no classic “black box,” but the FDA warns of serious, even life-threatening breathing problems when these are combined with opioids or other sedatives, or in people with lung disease or older age.
Use extra caution with any other sedating medicine.
Common (Usually Mild) Side Effects
- Dizziness and drowsiness.
- Swelling of the feet or ankles.
- Weight gain.
- Blurred vision, unsteadiness.
Serious — Call Us or Seek Care
- Slowed or difficult breathing, especially with opioids or sedatives.
- Rash with fever or swollen glands (rare hypersensitivity/DRESS).
- New or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts (an anti-seizure class caution).
- Signs of misuse or trouble stopping.
Alcohol
Avoid or limit alcohol — it adds to drowsiness and breathing risk.
Monitoring
No routine blood tests are needed.
The dose is adjusted for kidney function, so tell us about any kidney problems, and we may check kidney labs periodically.