Gabapentin (gab-ah-PEN-tin) is the generic name (non-brand name) of the seizure medicine Neurontin (nur-ON-tin)used in the United States, Canada, the UK, and some other countries. Another commonly used name for gabapentin is GBP.

Gabapentin is manufactured in the United States by Pfizer Inc. through a subsidiary called Greenstone Ltd. It is also manufactured by IVAX and Alpharma. The name or appearance of gabapentin may be different in various countries but usually the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will be the same.

How to take and store gabapentin
Follow the doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. The way the medicine is taken depends, of course, on what form the doctor has prescribed.

Swallow the capsules or tablets whole.

It's OK to take gabapentin either with food or without food, but it’s best to be consistent day after day.

Don't take an antacid (like Maalox) within 2 hours of taking gabapentin. Antacids can prevent your body from absorbing all the gabapentin.

As the doctor increases the amount of gabapentin that you take, you may be given a different kind of pill than the ones you've been taking. Be careful! For example, if you've been using 300-mg capsules and the new prescription is for 600-mg tablets, be sure to take the right number. Don't automatically continue to take the same number of pills as before.

Don't take more than the doctor prescribes. If you think you've used an extra pill call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking gabapentin or change the amount you use without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause serious problems.

Store the capsules or tablets at room temperature, away from dampness and direct light. (Don't keep them in the bathroom if it's damp there.) Of course, keep all gabapentin out of the reach of children.

What if I forget?
In general, if you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours, instead of taking two doses very close together. Then go back to the regular schedule. If you're not sure about what to do, call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. The more often a medicine must be taken, the greater the chance of forgetting, and most people need to take gabapentin 3 times every day. This can be difficult. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!