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Gabapentin - Neurontin®                   

Mainly used to treat epilepsy. (Gabapentin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

 

Gabapentin works 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. [1] [2]

 

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

There may be a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in people taking antiepileptic medicines such as gabapentin for any condition. FDA alerts health care providers to risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour with antiepileptic medications.

 

  1. Mueller ME, et al. Gabapentin for relief of upper motor neuron symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 1997;78:521-524.
  2. Mellegers M, et al. Gabapentin for neuropathic pain: systematic review of controlled and uncontrolled literature. Clinical Journal of Pain 2001;17:284-295.

 

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