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Gabapentin Enacarbil
Available by prescription only, gabapentin enacarbil is used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia. This product is sold as an extended-release tablet that is taken once or twice a day. Although it's not entirely clear how the drug works, it may bind to certain parts of calcium channels in the nervous system. Side effects can include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness.
Gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant™) is a prescription medication approved for treating the following conditions:
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Nerve pain that occurs after a case of shingles (known medically as postherpetic neuralgia).
(Click What Is Gabapentin Enacarbil Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, gabapentin enacarbil can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Common side effects of gabapentin enacarbil include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache.
(Click Gabapentin Enacarbil Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD