Gabapentin is a prescription medication used to treat nerve pain and control certain types of seizures. Originally developed as an anticonvulsant for epilepsy, it is now widely used for other conditions due to its ability to stabilize nerve activity. Gabapentin works by affecting calcium channels in the brain and nervous system, which helps reduce pain signals and prevent seizures. Besides epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain from shingles), gabapentin is prescribed off-label for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), fibromyalgia, and sometimes anxiety. It’s generally well-tolerated, with common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue, though it may also cause coordination issues or mood changes in some people.