DrugPair interaction guide

Gabapentin and Alcohol

Gabapentin is used for nerve pain and seizures. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Combining them multiplies the sedating effects of both.

Written by DrugPair Editorial Team. Updated 16 July 2026.

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Major interaction

Do not combine without direct medical supervision.

What you need to know

Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, and alcohol may worsen those effects. Breathing risk can be higher in people with respiratory risk factors or when gabapentin is combined with other central nervous system depressants such as opioids.

What to do

Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether you should avoid alcohol based on your dose, health conditions, and other medicines.

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy, dizzy, slowed, or uncoordinated.

Tell your clinician about alcohol use and every sedating medicine before starting gabapentin.

When to call your doctor

Severe drowsiness, confusion, or slowed breathing.

Falls, fainting, or loss of coordination.

Call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally.

Severe symptoms? Call 911 (US) or Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Sources

Drug Interactions: What You Should KnowU.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 2026-07-16.Drug ReactionsNIH MedlinePlus. Accessed 2026-07-16.

Source databases can disagree or omit an interaction. Report an error.

DrugPair provides educational safety information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask a doctor or pharmacist before changing medicines, supplements, food, drinks, or prescription timing.

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