Gabapentin
Gabapentin is primarily used to treat epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia, & restless legs syndrome, & is also used off-label for neuropathic pain, anxiety, & fibromyalgia.
Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026
Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.
Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.
Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.
The evidence for gabapentin shows moderate effectiveness for neuropathic pain and low support for anxiety treatment. However, concerns about safety and limited addiction potential highlight the need for careful consideration in clinical settings.
Weight changePatients using gabapentin · Systematic reviewLow
Gabapentin is associated with weight change in some patients.
AnxietyPatients with anxiety disorders · Systematic reviewLow
Gabapentin is used off-label for anxiety, with some evidence supporting its efficacy.
Addiction riskGeneral population · Systematic reviewModerate
Gabapentin has limited addictive potential, with few cases of behavioral dependence.
Neuropathic painPatients with sciatica pain · Systematic reviewModerate
Gabapentin & pregabalin are used for sciatica pain, but there is increasing concern about their safety.