20 Surprising Highs and Lows in the Gabapentin Journey

3. The Off-Label Boom—90% of Gabapentin Prescriptions Aren’t FDA-Approved

One of the most unexpected twists in gabapentin’s journey is that nearly 90% of its prescriptions are for off-label uses. These include treatments for alcohol withdrawal, chronic itch, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and essential tremors. While some patients report significant benefits, research is still inconclusive for many of these conditions. Doctors continue to prescribe it, making gabapentin one of the most commonly used off-label drugs in the world.

4. The Side Effect Gamble—More Than Just Drowsiness

Gabapentin’s most common side effects—drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue—are well known. But its lesser-known side effects can be surprisingly intense. Some patients experience blurred vision, jerky movements, difficulty speaking, and memory problems. In children, it can cause hyperactivity, aggression, and mood swings. For some, gabapentin is life-changing—but for others, the side effects outweigh the benefits.