Gabapentin is one of the most versatile medications in veterinary medicine, used for chronic pain management, anxiety, and seizure control in both dogs and cats. Originally developed as a human anti-epileptic, it is widely prescribed by UK vets, particularly for neuropathic pain and as pre-visit anxiety relief for cats.

Price Comparison

  • From your vet: £15–£40 per month (depending on dose and species)
  • Online pharmacies (with prescription): £5–£15 per month
  • Prescription fee: £10–£25

Gabapentin is one of the cheapest prescription medications in veterinary medicine. Online pharmacy savings of 50–70% are common. The capsules used are typically human-licensed products prescribed under the veterinary cascade.

What Does Gabapentin Treat?

  • Chronic pain: Particularly neuropathic (nerve) pain from spinal conditions, IVDD, arthritis, and post-surgical pain
  • Pre-visit anxiety in cats: A single dose before vet visits reduces stress — increasingly standard practice
  • Seizures: Used as an add-on anti-epileptic, usually alongside phenobarbital or levetiracetam
  • General anxiety: Noise phobias, travel anxiety, and separation anxiety in some cases

Species and Forms

  • Dogs: Capsules (100mg, 300mg, 400mg) or liquid. Dosed at 5–10mg/kg 2–3 times daily for pain
  • Cats: Capsules (100mg most commonly) or liquid. Typically 50–100mg per cat for anxiety or pain

Important: Some human gabapentin liquids contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always use capsules or a xylitol-free formulation for pets.

Side Effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness — the most common side effect, usually mild and often desired for anxiety use
  • Wobbliness (ataxia) — especially when starting treatment, usually improves within days
  • Increased appetite in some animals
  • Should not be stopped abruptly after long-term use — doses should be tapered gradually

Prescription Requirements

Gabapentin is POM-V when prescribed for animals. You can obtain a written prescription and buy from online pharmacies for significant savings.

How to Save

  • Written prescription: Online pharmacy prices are typically 50–70% cheaper than vet dispensing prices
  • Buy human-licensed capsules: These are the same drug and much cheaper than veterinary-branded products
  • Compare pharmacy prices: Use VetCost to compare medication prices
  • Buy in bulk: Larger quantities are cheaper per capsule

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD, BSAVA formulary, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost pharmacy data.