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Gabapentin Coupon - Gabapentin 600mg tablet

gabapentin

Generic Gralise
Used for Epilepsy, Postherpetic Neuralgia
Used for Epilepsy, Postherpetic Neuralgia

Gralise (gabapentin) is FDA-approved for treating nerve pain from shingles in adults. It belongs to the drug class called antiepileptics. Gralise (gabapentin) is an extended-release form of gabapentin, which means that the medication gets slowly released into the body from the tablet. Gralise (gabapentin) is taken by mouth once in the evening with food. The dosage is typically started low and slowly raised over a couple weeks. Side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and headache. This medication is available under the brand name Gralise and as a lower-cost generic.

Last reviewed on July 10, 2024
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What is Gralise (gabapentin)?

What is Gralise (gabapentin) used for?

How Gralise (gabapentin) works

Gralise (gabapentin) is an antiepileptic that's used to help with nerve pain from shingles. It has a similar structure to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the body that calms nerves.

It's not completely known how Gralise (gabapentin) works to treat nerve pain, but it's thought to work by blocking the nerves that play a role in nerve pain.

Are you looking for information on gabapentin (Neurontin) or Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGralise
Drug ClassAntiepileptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationControlled in some states. See FAQs below.
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Gralise (gabapentin) essentials

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What are the side effects of Gralise (gabapentin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Sleepiness (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Common cold symptoms
  • Weight gain
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
  • Pain in arm, leg, or back

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction or serious skin reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Breathing problems

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling eye movements

More common in children

Aggressive behavior or other behavior problems

anxiety

concentration problems and change in school performance

crying

depression

false sense of well-being

hyperactivity or increase in body movements

rapidly changing moods

reacting too quickly, too emotional, or overreacting

restlessness

suspiciousness or distrust

Less common

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

cough

depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes

fever

loss of memory

pain or swelling in the arms or legs

painful or difficult urination

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

clay-colored stools

coma

confusion

convulsions

dark urine

decreased urine output

diarrhea

difficult or troubled breathing

dizziness

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

increased thirst

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

itching or skin rash

joint pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

muscle ache or pain

nausea

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision

cold or flu-like symptoms

delusions

dementia

hoarseness

lack or loss of strength

lower back or side pain

swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs

trembling or shaking

Less common or rare

Accidental injury

appetite increased

back pain

bloated or full feeling

body aches or pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in vision

change in walking and balance

clumsiness or unsteadiness

congestion

constipation

cough producing mucus

decrease in sexual desire or ability

dryness of the mouth or throat

earache

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

excessive tearing

eye discharge

feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness

feeling of warmth or heat

flushed, dry skin

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

frequent urination

fruit-like breath odor

impaired vision

incoordination

increased hunger

increased sensitivity to pain

increased sensitivity to touch

increased thirst

indigestion

noise in the ears

pain, redness, rash, swelling, or bleeding where the skin is rubbed off

passing gas

redness or swelling in the ear

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

runny nose

sneezing

sweating

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

tingling in the hands and feet

trouble sleeping

trouble swallowing

trouble thinking

twitching

unexplained weight loss

voice changes

vomiting

weakness or loss of strength

weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Gralise (gabapentin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to help with nerve pain from shingles

Only need to take once a day

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't crush or chew the tablets, so might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing

Commonly causes dizziness

Can raise the risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Gralise (gabapentin)

pharmacist
  • Take Gralise (gabapentin) with your evening meal; food helps your body absorb the medication better.

    • Swallow the Gralise (gabapentin) tablet whole with a full glass of water. Don't chew, break, or crush it. Otherwise, the film coating around the tablet can get damaged and cause the medication to get released into the body too quickly, which can raise your risk for side effects.

      • Dizziness and sleepiness are common side effects of Gralise (gabapentin). The side effects can affect your ability to think clearly and react quickly. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

        • Avoid drinking alcohol with Gralise (gabapentin). Mixing alcohol with the medication can make side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and slowed breathing more intense.

          • Gralise (gabapentin) can raise the risk of having suicidal thoughts. Seek medical help right away if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while you're taking this medication.

            • Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take. Gralise (gabapentin) can interact with many medications, such as anxiety medications and opioids. These particular interactions can raise your risk for side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and dangerously slow breathing. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.

              • If you need heartburn relief while you're taking Gralise (gabapentin), take Gralise (gabapentin) at least 2 hours after any antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, such as Mylanta Maximum Strength. These antacids can lessen the amount of Gralise (gabapentin) that's absorbed into your body.

                • Take Gralise (gabapentin) exactly as prescribed. Never change your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and sleeping problems. Contact your prescriber for instructions on how to lower your dose or stop the medication if that's what you'd like to do.

                  • Talk with your care team about the benefits and risks of taking Gralise (gabapentin) if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. There's limited research on how safe the medication is during pregnancy. You're recommended to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if you choose to take Gralise (gabapentin) while pregnant. This registry helps researchers learn more about your health and your baby's health if you take the medication while expecting.

                    • Talk to your baby's primary care provider or pediatrician about whether it's safe to take Gralise (gabapentin) while you're breastfeeding. Research shows that some medication can get into breast milk. Tell your baby's care team if you see that your baby is sleepier than usual or missing developmental milestones if you're taking this medication and breastfeeding.

                      More on Gralise (gabapentin) tips

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Gralise (gabapentin)

                      Why do you take Gralise (gabapentin) at night?
                      You should take Gralise (gabapentin) with your evening meal every day. Food keeps the tablet in your stomach for a longer period of time. Staying in the stomach longer helps the medication get slowly released into your body through the night. It's possible that this can be helpful to stop your nerve pain symptoms from interrupting your sleep.
                      How long does it take for Gralise (gabapentin) to work?
                      Studies show that people reported improvement in shingles-related nerve pain within a week of starting treatment with Gralise (gabapentin). But it can take several weeks of treatment to feel the maximum pain-relieving effects of the medication.
                      How long does Gralise (gabapentin) stay in your system?
                      It takes about a day or so for most of Gralise (gabapentin) to leave your body after you take one dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of gabapentin. It can stay in your system longer if you have kidney problems because your body uses the kidneys to help get rid of the medication. Talk with your healthcare team if you have any specific concerns related to how long Gralise (gabapentin) stays in your body.
                      Is Gralise the same as gabapentin?
                      The active ingredient in Gralise is gabapentin. It's the extended-release form of gabapentin. There are other forms of gabapentin available under the brand names Neurontin and Horizant. The three forms of gabapentin aren't interchangeable — one can't be easily replaced with another. The dosage for the forms of gabapentin isn't equal to each other and how often they're taken during the day is different. While all three forms of gabapentin can be used for nerve pain from shingles, some can treat other medical conditions such as restless legs syndrome or certain types of seizures. Gralise, though, is FDA-approved for shingles-related nerve pain only. Talk to your care team if you have questions on the differences between the gabapentin products.
                      Can you take Gralise and gabapentin together?
                      No, don't take Gralise (gabapentin) with any other form of gabapentin, such as immediate-release gabapentin (Neurontin) or Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil). Taking more than one form of gabapentin at the same time puts you at risk for serious side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
                      Does Gralise (gabapentin) cause weight gain?
                      It's possible, but not common. In clinical studies, only about 2% of people who took Gralise (gabapentin) reported weight gain. It's not clear how much weight these people gained while they took the medication. Talk to your care team about how to lower your risk for weight gain from Gralise (gabapentin). They can suggest ways to plan for balanced and nutritious meals with lean proteins, whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables. They can also help build an exercise routine that's appropriate for you. Talk with your prescriber if you have more questions about Gralise (gabapentin) and weight gain.
                      Is Gralise (gabapentin) a controlled substance?
                      Gralise (gabapentin) isn't classified as a controlled substance by the federal government. But gabapentin has a potential to be misused because the medication can cause a "high" when it isn't taken properly and when it's taken at higher doses. Some states might consider gabapentin as a controlled substance or have put strict dispensing regulations on the medication. Keep in mind that state laws can change. So, it’s best to ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether Gralise (gabapentin) is a controlled substance in your state and how to safely take the medication.
                      Is Gralise (gabapentin) a narcotic?
                      No, Gralise (gabapentin) isn't a narcotic. The term "narcotic" refers to opioid medications, and Gralise (gabapentin) isn't an opioid.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Gralise (gabapentin)?

                      Gralise (gabapentin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Difficulty concentrating, sleepiness, and dizziness

                      • Risk factors: Taking high doses of Gralise (gabapentin) | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness

                        Gralise (gabapentin) can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. This can lower your ability to think, react, and focus. These side effects should get better after a few weeks. Note that your risk for these side effects might be higher if you're also taking other medications that can make you feel sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how Gralise (gabapentin) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your prescriber right away if you feel too sleepy from the medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Suicidal thoughts or behavior

                        • Risk factors: Depression

                          Gralise (gabapentin) can raise the risk of having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Sometimes, this can happen as early as 1 week after you start taking Gralise (gabapentin). Get medical help right away if you or anyone around you notices that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while you're taking this medication.

                          risk-warning

                          Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)

                          • Risk factors: Taking medications that can cause slow breathing | Drinking alcohol | Medical conditions that cause breathing problems (e.g., COPD, asthma)

                            Your breathing can get dangerously slow if you take Gralise (gabapentin) with other medications that can slow your body down, such as benzodiazepines and opioids. This can also happen if you drink alcohol with Gralise (gabapentin). Call 911 as soon as possible if you or your loved ones notice that you're having trouble breathing or that you have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes while you're taking this medication.

                            risk-warning

                            Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions

                            Severe allergic reactions to Gralise (gabapentin) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Although rare, Gralise (gabapentin) can also cause serious skin reactions, such as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Stop taking this medication and get medical attention right away if you have a fever, swelling in your face, trouble breathing, or changes in your skin (e.g., rash, blisters, swollen lymph nodes, skin reddening or peeling).

                            risk-warning

                            Risk for withdrawal symptoms

                            Suddenly stopping Gralise (gabapentin) can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms to happen. These symptoms can include nausea, anxiety, nervousness, and irregular heart rhythm. Withdrawal symptoms might be more likely to happen if you've taken the medication for a long time and you suddenly stop treatment. Don't change your dose or stop taking Gralise (gabapentin) without talking to your prescriber first. They'll help you lower your dose slowly over time before you can stop the medication completely.

                            dosage

                            Gralise (gabapentin) dosage forms

                            The average cost for 90 tablets of 600mg of Gralise (gabapentin) is $622.22 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 45.89% off the average retail price of $1149.95.
                            dose pack
                            Dose pack
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            78 tablets of 300mg and 600mg1 dose pack$2.50$2.50
                            tablet
                            Tablet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            300mg30 tablets$211.67$7.06
                            450mg30 tablets$321.53$10.72
                            600mg90 tablets$622.22$6.91
                            750mg30 tablets$477.14$15.90
                            900mg30 tablets$478.33$15.94

                            Typical dosing for Gralise (gabapentin)

                            The typical starting dose is 300 mg by mouth once a day with your evening meal. The dose is then slowly raised over 2 weeks until you reach the goal dose of 1,800 mg by mouth once a day with your evening meal.

                            Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                            More on Gralise (gabapentin) dosage forms

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Gralise (gabapentin) and other drugs

                            Gralise (gabapentin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Gralise (gabapentin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
                            • Aluminum Hydroxide
                            • Aluminum Phosphate
                            • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
                            • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
                            • Ginkgo
                            • Magaldrate
                            • Magnesium Carbonate
                            • Magnesium Hydroxide
                            • Magnesium Oxide
                            • Magnesium Trisilicate
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                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Gralise (gabapentin)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Gralise (gabapentin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                            latest news

                            What is the latest news about Gralise (gabapentin)?

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                            Gralise (gabapentin) images

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            Almatica Pharma LLC. (2024). Gralise- gabapentin tablet, film coated; Gralise- gabapentin kit. DailyMed.

                            Beal, B., et al. (2012). Gabapentin for once-daily treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia: A review. Clinical Interventions in Aging.

                            Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Gabapentin- gabapentin tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            View All References (7)

                            Chan, A. Y. L., et al. (2023). Gabapentinoid consumption in 65 countries and regions from 2008 to 2018: A longitudinal trend study. Nature Communications.

                            Chincholkar, M. (2020). Gabapentinoids: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and considerations for clinical practice. British Journal of Pain.

                            Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2022). Gabapentin. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                            Patel, P. R., et al. (2023). Partial epilepsy. StatPearls.

                            Patorno, E., et al. (2020). Gabapentin in pregnancy and the risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes: A population-based cohort study nested in the US Medicaid Analytic eXtract dataset. Public Library of Science Medicine.

                            Raouf, M., et al. (2017). Rational dosing of gabapentin and pregabalin in chronic kidney disease. Journal of Pain Research.

                            Rose, M. A., et al. (2002). Gabapentin: Pharmacology and its use in pain management. Anaesthesia.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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