"i had shingles and if anyone has ever had it knows the pain is excruciating.  doctor prescribed me gabapentin 300mg along with another pain med.  i started with one a day for 3 days and then 2 a day for 3 days then 3 a day for 3 days.  this drug may not help all but for  me it was a life saver.  the pain was really bad everyday and i also had to work so when i took meds i had to make sure i ate a good meal so it would not mess up my stomach or make me sleepy.  it also a good night rest medicine when you have shingles and i hate taken pain meds ."