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.

As suggested by its name, gabapentin was purposely designed to be similar to GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain. As it turns out, however, gabapentin does not act like a GABA agonist in the brain. It was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, and has been taken by over two million patients since then.

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
Gabapentin can be taken either with food or without food. It has only a slight effect on the rate and extent of absorption. Antacids such as Maalox do affect the absorption of gabapentin, however, so they shouldn't be taken within 2 hours of a dose of gabapentin.

Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole.

Patients should store the capsules or tablets at room temperature, away from dampness and direct light.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours, instead of taking two doses very close together.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.