Get a Gabapentin Prescription with LifeMD

Gabapentin may be right for you if you’re dealing with conditions like nerve pain, seizures, or restless leg syndrome, and other treatments haven’t been effective. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and any other medications you're taking to determine if gabapentin is a good fit.

It’s commonly prescribed for:

• Nerve pain from conditions like diabetic neuropathy or shingles
• Seizure disorders, like epilepsy
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

If you’re unsure, discussing your symptoms and treatment options with your LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can help you decide if gabapentin is the right choice for your condition.

Gabapentin may not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid or use caution with gabapentin if you have:

• Allergic reactions to gabapentin or its ingredients
• Kidney problems
• A history of depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Liver disease

Additionally, gabapentin should not be stopped suddenly without medical guidance, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Gabapentin isn’t considered a federally controlled substance, but some states have enacted laws to classify gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance. This means it is regulated and may require special precautions in terms of prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring use in certain states. These states include:

• Alabama
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• North Dakota
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Gabapentin is not used to stop an active seizure. It’s primarily used as a long-term treatment to help prevent seizures in people with epilepsy by reducing the frequency and severity of future seizures. Gabapentin works by calming overactive nerve activity in the brain, but it doesn't provide immediate relief during a seizure.

If you're experiencing a seizure, it’s important to seek emergency medical help.

Gabapentin can be prescribed to be taken once, twice, or three times a day, with doses spaced throughout the day to maintain a steady level in the body.

If you are prescribed a once-a-day treatment of gabapentin, be sure to take it at the same time each day, preferably in the evening, especially if it makes you feel drowsy.

If prescribed more than once a day, take your doses at even intervals (morning, afternoon, evening) to avoid missed doses and maintain consistent levels of the medication.

To minimize side effects like drowsiness, it’s typically a good idea to take gabapentin with food or a glass of water.

Yes, gabapentin can make you feel drowsy or sleepy, especially when you first start taking it or when the dose is increased. This sedative effect is common, and many people experience fatigue, dizziness, or a feeling of being "out of it" while on the medication.

To help manage this, your healthcare provider may recommend taking gabapentin in the evening or before bed.

It’s generally not recommended to drink alcohol while taking gabapentin, as both substances can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Combining them can also lead to increased sedation, making it difficult to stay alert and function properly.

Drinking alcohol may also reduce gabapentin’s effectiveness in treating conditions like seizures or nerve pain. If you do choose to drink, it's important to do so in moderation and discuss it with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.

The most common side effects of gabapentin are typically related to its sedative effects and how it interacts with the nervous system. These can include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Coordination problems or unsteadiness
• Swelling (especially in the hands or feet)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating

In some cases, people may experience mood changes, depression, or thoughts of self-harm. If you notice any unusual mental health symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.

Most side effects improve over time, but if they’re bothersome or severe, be sure to reach out to your LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider.

LifeMD offers patients access to licensed healthcare providers who can offer guidance on healthcare concerns. Through our virtual platform, you can schedule same-day appointments and meet with a medical professional from the comfort of your home.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe you a medication if appropriate, and order it to your local pharmacy for your convenience. Skip the waiting room with LifeMD, make an appointment today to get started.