Gabapentin

Uses

This medication is used to treat seizures, neuropathic pain, nerve pain following a shingles (herpes) outbreak, and restless legs syndrome. 

IUPAC name: 2-[1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexyl]acetic acid

Drug class: anticonvulsant or antiepileptic ; analgesic

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This drug is a GABA analog and works as an anti-epileptic medicine by decreasing the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain that produce seizures. It also acts as an analgesic, which is used to treat nerve pain by interfering with the pain signals.

 Side effects

 It may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, weakness, lack of coordination, tiredness, vision problems, tremors, joint pain, swelling of the hands/ legs/feet or ankles, unusual thoughts, rash or itching.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it, or to other anticonvulsant drugs, or if you have other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

If you have a history of kidney problems, liver disease, depression, unusual negative thoughts, drug abuse, COPD or other lung/breathing problems,

If you’ve had any type of surgery,

Limit your alcohol usage while taking gabapentin since it increases your chances of developing vision problems, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.

This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in older adults and children.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.