The chemical structures for gabapentin [1-(aminomethyl) cyclohexaneacetic acid], gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and pregabalin are shown below.
Gabapentin closely resembles pregabalin, a schedule V drug under the Controlled Substances Act in its chemical structure and pharmacological activity.
The chemical structure of gabapentin is derived from the addition of a lipophilic cyclohexyl group to the backbone of GABA. Gabapentin is a crystalline substance and freely soluble in water, alkaline and acidic solutions.