Gabapentin

What is this medication for?

• Adjunctive therapy for refractory/complex partial seizures
• Chronic/neuropathic pain, adjunctive analgesia (incl. peri-op)

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• Do not stop abruptly in seizure patients — wean off.
• Human oral solution (Neurontin®) contains xylitol — never dispense to dogs without confirming xylitol-free formulation.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Sedation, wobbliness/unsteadiness (Most common, dose-related)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Withdrawal-precipitated seizures (With abrupt discontinuation)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Hypersensitivity
• has or has had: Renal insufficiency (dose adjust, though dogs partially compensate via hepatic metabolism); avoid human oral solution in dogs (xylitol)

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Antacids
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine

Storage and handling

Storage instructions in the imported handout require formulation-specific source verification. Confirm the exact product or compounded preparation and its storage instructions with the dispensing pharmacist. The imported storage field is withheld pending correction.

Good to know

• Do not stop abruptly in seizure patients — wean off.
• Human oral solution (Neurontin®) contains xylitol — never dispense to dogs without confirming xylitol-free formulation.
• Not very effective as sole anticonvulsant; used as an add-on.