Horizant

If you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), your healthcare provider may prescribe Horizant, a drug that comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. The medication comes in one strength and is typically taken around 5 p.m. Most people are able to use this product without any problems. However, side effects are possible and may include things like dizziness, headache, and drowsiness.

Horizant Medication Information

What Is Horizant?

Horizant™ (gabapentin enacarbil) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is a long-acting tablet that is taken just once a day.

(Click Horizant Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Horizant is made by Patheon, Inc., for GlaxoSmithKline.

How Does Horizant Work?

It is not known exactly how this medication works to treat restless legs syndrome. Preliminary data suggests that Horizant binds to certain parts of calcium channels in the central nervous system, and this may be how it works for RLS.

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Horizant include the following:

Horizant comes in extended-release tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day, with food, at approximately 5 p.m.
You must swallow the tablets whole; do not chew, cut, crush, or dissolve them, as this causes the medication to be released too quickly.
For this medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.

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