Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Gabapentin is thought to work by stabilising electrical activity in the brain. When
abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the
brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This can result in
seizures or fits. Gabapentin prevents epileptic fits by preventing the excessive
electrical activity in the brain. It is thought to do this by mimicking the activity
of a neurotransmitter called GABA.
Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are stored in nerve cells. They
are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter
that acts as a natural nerve calming agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the
brain in balance.
Gabapentin is structurally similar to GABA and so is thought to mimic its action.
This helps calm the nerve activity in the brain. Gabapentin is used to prevent partial
seizures, and partial seizures that spread to secondary generalised seizures. As
Gabapentin stabilises electrical nerve activity, it can also be used to treat pain
that occurs a result of damage to or a disturbance in the function of nerves neuropathic
pain.
In MS that is pain caused directly by the effects of the disease, such as trigeminal
neuralgia or dysaesthesia.
The drug is also used in the treatment of spasms and spasticity, it is an anticonvulsant
and anti-epileptic drug. Gabapentin is taken orally as tablets. When stopping treatment,
the dosage should be gradually reduced.
Mueller ME, et al. Gabapentin for relief of upper motor neuron symptoms in multiple
sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 1997;78:521-524.
Mellegers M, et al. Gabapentin for neuropathic pain: systematic review of controlled
and uncontrolled literature. Clinical Journal of Pain 2001;17:284-295.
Side effects may occur such as:
Dizziness.
Fatigue.
Sedation.
Weakness.
Adverse side effects may occur such as:
There may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in those taking
antiepileptic medicines such as gabapentin for any condition.
