Home/Medicines/Gabapentin

Gabapentin

Prescription

Anticonvulsant / Neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

6 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; provides analgesia for neuropathic pain and anxiolysis

At a glance

Class

Anticonvulsant / Neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Neuropathic/chronic pain

Dose

5–20 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID-TID

Max dose

600 mg/dose; 1800 mg/day

Duration: Long-term; taper on discontinuation

Seizure adjunct

Dose

10–20 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

TID

Max dose

600 mg/dose; 1800 mg/day

Duration: Long-term

🐈

Cat

Chronic pain / osteoarthritis

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID-TID

Max dose

100 mg/dose; 300 mg/day

Duration: Long-term

Pre-visit anxiolysis

Dose

50–200 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

Once, 90 minutes before visit

Max dose

200 mg

Duration: Single dose

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 2

Strength

100mg

Available in India

Strength

300mg

Available in India

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

300mg

Available in India

Strength

600mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Liquid formulations containing xylitol
CRITICAL: Some human gabapentin liquids contain xylitol — TOXIC to dogs. Use only xylitol-free formulations

Use with caution

Renal impairment
Renally excreted — dose reduction needed
Abrupt discontinuation
Taper over 1-2 weeks to avoid rebound seizures

Adverse effects

Common

Sedation

Ataxia

Weight gain

Serious

Rebound seizures (if stopped abruptly)

Profound sedation in cats (especially with pre-existing renal disease)

Monitoring parameters

Sedation levelPain scoresRenal function in chronic useSeizure frequency (if anticonvulsant)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 6

Tramadol

moderate

Additive CNS depression; both cause sedation and ataxia

Management: Common multimodal analgesic combination. Reduce doses of both. Monitor for excessive sedation.

Pregabalin

moderate

Both are gabapentinoids acting on voltage-gated calcium channels; additive CNS depression and ataxia

Management: Generally do not use together — choose one. If switching, taper the first before starting the second.

Trazodone

moderate

Additive CNS depression: sedation, ataxia. Both used for anxiety/pain but combined sedation can be significant.

Management: Start with lower doses of both when combining. Monitor for excessive sedation, especially in geriatric patients.

Acepromazine

moderate

Additive CNS and sedative effects.

Management: Reduce doses when combining. Monitor sedation level.

Hydromorphone

moderate

Additive CNS depression and sedation. Gabapentin enhances opioid analgesia synergistically but increases sedation.

Management: Beneficial multimodal combination. Start gabapentin at lower dose when adding to opioid. Monitor sedation in geriatric patients.

Midazolam

moderate

Additive CNS depression and muscle relaxation.

Management: Reduce individual doses when combining. Monitor sedation and respiratory function.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Neurontin

Pfizer

India

Gabapin

Intas

Gabator

Torrent

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a anticonvulsant / neuropathic analgesic (gabapentinoid) used in pets. Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release; provides analgesia for neuropathic pain and anxiolysis

›What is Gabapentin used for in pets?

Gabapentin is used in veterinary medicine for: Neuropathic/chronic pain; Seizure adjunct; Chronic pain / osteoarthritis; Pre-visit anxiolysis.

›What is the Gabapentin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Gabapentin is typically dosed as follows — Neuropathic/chronic pain: 5–20 mg/kg PO BID-TID; Seizure adjunct: 10–20 mg/kg PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Gabapentin dose for cats?

For cats, Gabapentin is typically dosed as follows — Chronic pain / osteoarthritis: 5–10 mg/kg PO BID-TID; Pre-visit anxiolysis: 50–200 mg/cat PO Once, 90 minutes before visit. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Gabapentin?

Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Weight gain. Serious (call your vet immediately): Rebound seizures (if stopped abruptly), Profound sedation in cats (especially with pre-existing renal disease).

›Does Gabapentin need a prescription?

Yes. Gabapentin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Gabapentin not be used?

Do not use Gabapentin if: Liquid formulations containing xylitol.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database