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Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. They’re used as anticonvulsants and as a painkiller specifically for neuropathic pain. Gabapentin’s effects are so similar to others, but have no direct comparison. It has its own unique magic. It’s a strange hybrid, and the closest is its stronger brother pregabalin (Lyrica).



While gabapentin is not believed to be habit forming, it is a drug that makes you feel good. It won’t lead to physiological dependence, but it will sure as hell lead to psychological dependence. Gabapentin is prescription only but not scheduled, while pregabalin is Schedule V. There has been no established lethal dose for gabapentin, but don’t chug it — it’ll be an ambulance ride.

Don’t think you can judge a substance from how its dad behaved. Gabapentin, despite synthesized from GABA, actually does not bond with or directly increase the efficiency of GABA in the brain. Rather, its effects are related to our voltage-gated calcium channels — a special group of pores found on the membrane of excitable cells such as muscles and neurons. This different mechanism is why it behaves so differently from more familiar anticonvulsants like our old friends, benzodiazepines.

Gabapentin is mostly found in capsules of the 300mg variety. There are also 100mg, 400mg, 600mg capsules or 600mg and 800mg tablets. Always read the bottle closely or examine the markings on the outside. Prescription drugs all have unique markings that can be looked up online to find out exactly how much active ingredient is in it, the inactive ingredients for allergy information, and the manufacturer. Typical dosage for adults is 900-1800mg a day.

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