Generic Name: gabapentin

Brand Name: Neurontin, Gralise

Drug Class: Anticonvulsants

What is gabapentin, and what is it used for?

Gabapentin is a prescription anti-seizure (anti-convulsant) drug that is used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles.

Doctors do not know how gabapentin works (the mechanism of action). Gabapentin structurally resembles the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). (Neurotransmitters are drugs that nerves use to communicate with one another.) It is possible that this similarity is related to gabapentin's mechanism of action. In animal models used for testing the anticonvulsant and analgesic (anti-pain) activities of drugs, gabapentin prevents seizures and reduces pain-related responses.

Gabapentin is approved for treating seizure disorders and nerve damage from herpes zoster (shingles, postherpetic neuralgia).

There are many non FDA-approved uses for gabapentin. These include

What are the side effects of gabapentin?

The most common side effects of gabapentin are:

Other adverse effects and serious side effects associated with gabapentin include:

Antiepileptic medications have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.

What is the dosage for gabapentin?

Gabapentin is available as:

Capsules: 100, 300, and 400 mg.

Tablets: 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg.

Solution: 250 mg/5 ml

The recommended dose for postherpetic neuralgia is 1800 mg daily in 3 divided doses (Neurontin) or 1800 mg once daily (Gralise). Gralise is not interchangeable with other gabapentin products.

Seizures are treated with 900-1800 mg/daily in 3 divided doses (Neurontin). Withdrawal of treatment should occur slowly over a week.

Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.

Is gabapentin addictive? Does it have withdrawal symptoms?

Gabapentin is not an opioid narcotic, and it is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). However, this medication does share signs and symptoms associated with drug misuse, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms of opioids like:

There have been reports of patients abusing this drug.

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Which drugs interact with gabapentin?

Antacids reduce the concentration of gabapentin in blood. Therefore, gabapentin should be administered 2 hours or more after taking antacids.

Morphine significantly increases blood concentrations of gabapentin and may increase central nervous system-related adverse events associated with gabapentin.

Is gabapentin safe to use if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

What else should I know about this drug?

How should I keep gabapentin stored?

Tablets and capsules should be stored between 15 C and 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

Gabapentin solution should be refrigerated between 2 C and 8 C (36 F to 46 F).

When was gabapentin approved by the FDA?

The FDA approved gabapentin in December 1993.

Summary

Gabapentin is a drug prescribed for the treatment of seizure disorders, nerve damage from shingles and postherptic neuralgia. Off label uses of gabapentin include treatment for substance abuse withdrawal, hiccups, RLS (restless legs syndrome), headaches, diabetic neuropathy, hot flashes, and fibromyalgia, hyperhydrosis. Gabapentin is not an opioid narcotic, but it does have signs and symptoms associated with drug misuse, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms of opioids like sweating, anxiety, muscle pain, insomnia, and goosebumps (philoerections).

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