Gabapentin: What It Is, How It Works, and the Real Risks

When doctors prescribe gabapentin, a medication originally developed to treat seizures but now widely used for nerve pain. Also known as Neurontin, it works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It’s not an opioid, but it’s not harmless either—especially when taken long-term or without proper monitoring.

Gabapentin is often used for chronic pain, persistent discomfort that lasts beyond normal healing time, like diabetic neuropathy or post-shingles pain. But it’s also prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and even off-label uses like restless legs. The problem? Many people don’t realize how deeply it affects balance, coordination, and mental clarity. The biggest side effect isn’t nausea or drowsiness—it’s dizziness, a sudden loss of stability that puts older adults at high risk for falls. One study found that seniors on gabapentin were 50% more likely to end up in the ER from a fall. And if you stop taking it suddenly? gabapentin withdrawal, a set of symptoms including anxiety, sweating, and even seizures can hit hard. It’s not addictive like heroin, but your body gets used to it—and walking away isn’t simple.

What you won’t hear from every doctor is that gabapentin doesn’t fix the root cause of pain. It just mutes the signal. That’s why people who rely on it long-term often feel worse over time—because they’re not moving, not strengthening, not healing. The real solution? Pairing it with physical therapy, mindfulness, or targeted exercise. That’s what the best pain management programs do. Below, you’ll find real stories and data about how gabapentin affects people, what alternatives exist, and why so many are now questioning whether the trade-off is worth it.