Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 30, 1993. It is used to treat neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, and seizures, including those associated with epilepsy.

Gabapentin is used to treat various conditions, including neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, and seizures. It is used to manage postherpetic neuralgia in adults, a type of nerve pain following a shingles infection. It is also used as adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalisation, in adults and pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with epilepsy. Gabapentin is prescribed for other forms of neuropathic pain and seizure management, as it helps regulate nerve activity and alleviate symptoms.

In the case of tablets, Gabapentin is typically started at a low dose, such as 300 mg on Day 1 for Postherpetic Neuralgia, with gradual increases over several days. For capsules, the starting dose is similar, and adjustments are made based on the patient's response and condition. Gabapentin doses should be adjusted in patients with reduced renal function, regardless of tablet or capsule form.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of Gabapentin:

• Dizziness
• Somnolence (sleepiness)
• Peripheral edema (swelling)
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ataxia (lack of coordination)
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Tremor
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Diplopia (double vision) and amblyopia (blurred vision)

Serious side effects of Gabapentin:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Hepatobiliary disorders (liver problems)
• Elevated creatine kinase and liver function tests
• Movement disorders
• Agitation
• Angioedema (swelling beneath the skin)
• Erythema multiforme
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin reaction)
• Abrupt discontinuation reactions (anxiety, insomnia, pain, sweating, nausea)

• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (Multiorgan hypersensitivity): Discontinue the medication if an alternative etiology is not established.
• Anaphylaxis and angioedema: Discontinue and immediately evaluate the patient.
• Driving impairment (Somnolence/Sedation and Dizziness): Warn patients not to drive until they can assess their ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
• Increased seizure frequency: Abruptly discontinuing the medication may increase seizure frequency in patients with seizure disorders.
• Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Monitor patients for suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
• Neuropsychiatric adverse reactions in children 3 to 12 years of age: Monitor patients closely for neuropsychiatric events.

Gabapentin can cause serious reactions like DRESS (multiorgan hypersensitivity), anaphylaxis, and angioedema, so you should discontinue it immediately if these occur. It can impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, and you should use it cautiously with other sedatives. Abrupt discontinuation may increase your seizure risk, and it may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or behaviour, especially in patients with epilepsy. Children may experience neuropsychiatric issues like emotional lability and hostility, and long-term use requires monitoring for potential tumour risk and unexplained deaths in epilepsy patients.

If you're taking gabapentin, closely monitor for any signs of serious reactions like rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling, and seek immediate medical help if they occur. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you're sure the medication doesn't impair your abilities. Always follow your doctor's instructions for gradual discontinuation to prevent seizures, and alert them if you experience mood changes or suicidal thoughts.

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf

2. asaei R, Katta S, Patel P, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29630280/

3. Backonja M, Glanzman RL. Gabapentin dosing for neuropathic pain: evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637113/

4. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/referrals/neurontin

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.