Gabarone

Generic name: gabapentin [ GAB-a-PEN-tin ]
Other brand names of gabapentin include: Gabarone, Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin
Drug class: Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Gabarone?

Gabarone is used in adults and children at least 3 years old together with other medicines to treat partial seizures.

Gabarone is also used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).

Gralise is used only in adults to treat nerve pain.

Horizant is used only in adults to treat nerve pain and restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Gabarone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gabarone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Gabarone can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Some side effects are more likely in children taking Gabarone. Call your doctor if the child has any of the following side effects: behavior changes, memory problems, trouble concentrating, or acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Common side effects of Gabarone may include:

• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, tiredness;

• headache;

• swelling of your legs and feet;

• trouble speaking;

• vision problems, dizziness, drowsiness;

• tremors, problems with balance or muscle movement; or

• nausea, vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Gabarone can cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially if you already have a breathing disorder or if you use other medicines that can make you drowsy or slow your breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you have very slow breathing.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Gabarone or even after stopping treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Seizures may increase if you stop using Gabarone suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Gabarone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• breathing problems;

• diabetes;

• depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

• drink alcohol;

• drug addiction;

• a seizure;

• (patients with RLS) if you are a day sleeper or work a night shift; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Gabarone or even after stopping treatment. Children taking this medicine may have behavior changes. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

It is not known if Gabarone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of gabapentin on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Gabarone.

How should I take Gabarone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.

Never take Gabarone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may take Gabarone with or without food. Take the extended-release tablet with food.

If you break a Gabarone tablet and take only half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.

Swallow the capsule or extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

You should not stop taking Gabarone suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Gabarone.

Your kidney function may need to be checked often and your dose may change based on the results.

Follow all storage instructions provided with Gabarone. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

If you take Horizant: skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking Gabarone?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Gabarone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Avoid taking an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours before you take Gabarone.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect Gabarone?

Taking Gabarone with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Gabarone, especially:

• opioid medicines such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, buprenorphine;

• zolpidem; or

• lorazepam.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Gabarone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What's the difference?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 19.01.