What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin (brand names: Aclonium, Equipax, Gantin, Gabarone, Gralise, Neurontin, Neurostil, Progresse) is a medicine used in dogs and cats.
In dogs, it’s used for seizures, chronic pain (especially nerve pain), and fear of storms. It may be used alone, or with other medicines.
In cats, gabapentin is usually used for reducing their fear and stress associated with travel, veterinary visits, or other difficult situations.
Gabapentin is prescribed extra-label or off-label in veterinary medicine. That’s because even though there’s evidence it’s safe and effective, it’s not FDA-approved for use in animals. Gabapentin is usually well tolerated in animals.
It’s available as a prescription medication from your veterinarian, or from a pharmacy with a veterinary prescription. It comes in different doses as tablets or capsules. There’s a liquid version, but it may contain xylitol, which isn’t recommended for dogs. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for other dosing options.
Gabapentin appears to work by blocking calcium channels in the brain to suppress overstimulated nerve cells, but exactly how it works in animals isn’t well understood.
How Is Gabapentin Used in Pets?
It’s given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or compounded medication such as a chewable tablet. Its strongest effects can be seen within 1 to 2 hours.
It may be given with or without food.
The liquid version for humans may contain xylitol, which isn’t recommended for dogs because xylitol can cause a decrease in their blood sugar.
Compounding pharmacies can make smaller gabapentin tablets and pet-safe liquid versions for smaller dogs, dogs who won’t take tablets, and cats.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines. Remember to tell them about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies you give your pet. Talk to your vet before stopping any pet medicines.
When used for seizures, gabapentin should usually be decreased slowly over time. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can increase your pet’s risk of seizures related to withdrawal from the medicine.
What Are the Benefits of Gabapentin for Pets?
Its benefits include:
- Your pet’s body absorbs it quickly and they should feel better in 1-2 hours.
- When gabapentin is used with other medicines, your vet may be able to decrease your pet’s other medicines or even stop some or all of them.
What Follow-up Is Required?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement and any side effects. Usually, no routine blood tests need to be done.
Does Gabapentin Have Warnings or Side Effects in Dogs and Cats?
Don’t use gabapentin in animals that are allergic to it or if they’re pregnant.
Possible side effects of gabapentin include tiredness, sleepiness, and lack of coordination. Cats may vomit or drool. Side effects are temporary and usually go away in several hours. Animals with kidney or liver problems may experience side effects a little longer.
If you suspect your pet is having a serious side effect or is overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it’s outside regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. You may face higher fees for emergency care.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Gabapentin Interact With Other Medicines?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase their risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your pet takes.
Tell your vet if your pet uses:
Antacids. Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium may lessen the amount of gabapentin your pet can absorb. Don’t take gabapentin and any of these antacids less than 2 hours apart.
Other drugs that cause sedation. These include medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as diazepam, cannabidiol (CBD), sedatives like acepromazine, and others. They may cause increased sleepiness when combined with gabapentin.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with gabapentin. Always check with your veterinarian.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
For safety, keep your pet’s gabapentin out of the reach of children. Also, wash your hands after giving gabapentin to your pet. Don’t handle gabapentin if you are allergic to it.
How Do I Store Gabapentin?
Gabapentin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature. Liquids taken by mouth should be stored in your fridge between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Compounded forms of gabapentin should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s recommendations.
