Gabapentin

Generic name: gabapentin
Brand names: Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin, Gabarone
Drug class: Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
Dosage form: capsule, oral solution, tablet
Root of administration: oral
Dose: oral capsule (100 mg; 300 mg; 400 mg), oral solution (250 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (600 mg; 800 mg), oral tablet, extended release (300 mg/24 hours; 450 mg/24 hours; 600 mg/24 hours; 750 mg/24 hours; 900 mg/24 hours; enacarbil 300 mg; enacarbil 600 mg)
Mechanism of action: It works on the chemical messengers in your brain and nerves.  Gabapentin is from a group of medicines called anticonvulsants.
Drug usage cases:

• Neurontin (gabapentin) is used to treat pain you may have from shingles (postherpetic nerve pain). It is also used with other seizure medicines for partial onset seizures in patients 3 years and older.
• Gralise (gabapentin) is only used for pain after having shingles (postherpetic nerve pain). It should not be used for any other medical condition.
• Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is an extended release tablet used to treat restless legs syndrome and for the pain from having shingles (postherpetic nerve pain).
• Generic brands of gabapentin capsules, USP are used for postherpetic nerve pain and for add on therapy for partial onset seizures in patients 3 years and older

Drug contraindications: You should not take gabapentin if you are allergic to it. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems
• diabetes
• depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions
• drink alcohol
• a history of drug addiction
• a seizure
• (patients with RLS) if you are a day sleeper or work a night shift
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)

Side effects: Gabapentin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
• problems with balance or muscle movement; or
• increased seizures.

Warnings: Gabapentin can cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially if you already have a breathing disorder or if you use other medicines that can make you drowsy or slow your breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you have very slow breathing.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Seizures may increase if you stop using gabapentin suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how gabapentin will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Do not stop using gabapentin suddenly, even if you feel fine.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is not known if gabapentin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of gabapentin on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using gabapentin.