Gabapentin: Uses | Dosage

Gabapentin: Uses, Effects, and Interactions

Gabapentin, originally branded as Neurontin, is now available in generic forms under many different brand names. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

• Neuropathic pain
• Epilepsy and partial seizures
• Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain from shingles)
• Restless legs syndrome

How Gabapentin Works

Gabapentin is believed to stop the formation of new synapses and interact with voltage-gated calcium channels. It is particularly effective in reducing pain from diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. Studies also show that combining gabapentin with other medications, such as morphine, oxycodone, or venlafaxine, can enhance pain relief.

Seizures

Gabapentin is used to treat partial seizures and can be combined with other seizure medications for adults and children aged 3 years and older with epilepsy.

Post-herpetic Neuralgia

This refers to nerve damage-related pain caused by shingles, a viral infection that typically affects adults. Gabapentin is effective in relieving this type of pain.

Restless Legs Syndrome

This condition causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually when a person is resting or sleeping. Gabapentin is one of the treatments for this condition.

Chemical Action of Gabapentin

Gabapentin reduces calcium currents in the nervous system and binds to specific subunits. It may also interact with NMDA receptors and protein kinase C, playing a role in pain relief.

Drug Interactions

Gabapentin can interact with other medications, leading to increased side effects:

• Alcohol: May cause dizziness, drowsiness, and concentration issues.
• Pain medications: Drugs like hydrocodone and morphine may enhance the side effects of gabapentin.
• Stomach acid medications: Aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids can interfere with gabapentin if taken together. It is advised to wait a few hours between taking these medications.

Gabapentin's Approval and Use

Gabapentin was approved by the FDA in 1993 for treating partial seizures and extended to post-herpetic neuralgia in 2014. It is now widely used for a variety of nerve-related conditions.