Gabapentin, which was first approved for use in 1993, is an anticonvulsant medication that is typically taken by mouth, and is used to treat partial seizures, neuropathic pain, hot flashes, and restless legs syndrome. It is also commonly prescribed for many off-label uses, such as treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Gabapentin appears to work by altering electrical activity in the brain and influencing the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which send messages between nerve cells. Bear in mind that if you take Gabapentin prior to breakfast in the morning on an empty stomach, chances are you’ll experience severe dizziness. However, taking this medicine with or after breakfast combats this side effect. As for the other side effects of Gabapentin, they include sleepiness, an increased risk of suicide, aggressive behavior, and drug reactions. It is, however, unclear if Gabapentin is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.