Gabapentin
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Fanatrex, gralise, horizant, Gabarone, Neurontin
Formulations: tablet, extended-release tablet, oral solution
Years on the market:
In the US since 1994
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
1 hour
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
1-2 days
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
Gradually
How long does it stay in the body?
5-7 hours
How is it eliminated?
Kidneys
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
Partial Epilepsy
FDA approved for:
Add-on therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults and children (>3 years)
Common side effects:
• Skin: itching
• Bones: none
• Blood: decrease in white blood cells
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: upset stomach, mouth or throat dryness, constipation, dental abnormalities, increased appetite
• Heart: decreased heart rate
• Brain: drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with coordination, uncontrolled eye movements, tremor, difficulty with speech, difficulty with memory, twitching
• Mood: excessive emotional reactions, nervousness, depression
• Others: impotence, weight increase
Serious side effects:
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
Symptoms may include double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy and diarrhea.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
You may experience an increase in seizure frequency if you suddenly stop treatment.
Who should not take this medication?
Gabapentin is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Children: initial 10-15 mg/kg/day (divided three times a day); 3-4 years, 40 mg/kg/day (divided three times a day); 5+ years, 25-35 mg/kg/day (divided three times a day)
Adults: initial 300 mg (divided three times a day), up to 1800 mg/day
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of gabapentin:
None anticipated
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of gabapentin:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
Antacids can reduce the level of gabapentin slightly
Blood work required?
CBC and CPM?
No
How often?
Are medication levels in blood useful?
No
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
No
Are safe in pregnancy?
It may be safe for some pregnant women to be treated with gabapentin. Discuss this with your doctor.
Category
Pregnancy Category C
Can breastfeed?
Gabapentin should not be used with caution in women who are breast feeding.
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
No
Affects fertility?
No
Use other than epilepsy:
Management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults, restless legs syndrome