Summary
Gabapentin is primarily prescribed for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. It exhibits dose-dependent bioavailability (decreasing absorption at higher doses). Taking doses of more than 250-300 mg every 30-45 minutes reduces bioavailability due to transporter saturation. Misuse potential exists, especially among those with substance use history. Fatal overdose risk increases significantly when combined with opioids or other depressants.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral BA 27%-60% | 200-900mg | 900-1500mg | 1500-2400mg | 2400mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 0.5-2 hrs | 2-3 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 12 hrs | 300-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over 1–2 weeks of daily use
Reset
1–2 weeks of abstinence
Cross-tolerance
Effects
Positive
- Physical euphoria
- Muscle relaxation
- Pain relief
- Anxiolytic
- Muscle Relaxant
- Seizure suppression
Negative
- Sedation
- Sedative
- Dystaxia
- Hypnotic
Positive
- Anxiety suppression
- Cognitive euphoria
- Dream potentiation
- Empathy enhancement
- Sociability enhancement
Negative
- Dizziness
- Thought deceleration
- Emotion suppression
- Motor control loss
- Amnesia
Positive
- Appetite enhancement
- Increased music appreciation
- Increased libido
- Perception of bodily lightness
- Tactile enhancement
Negative
- Decreased libido
- Disinhibition
- Dehydration
- Double vision
- Dulled perception