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Gabapentin 💊
📖 About
- Check BNF entry here for the latest dosing and safety updates.
- Gabapentin is structurally related to GABA, but it does not act directly on GABA receptors. Its action is thought to involve modulation of calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release.
🧾 Indications
- Adjunctive treatment of partial seizures (with or without secondary generalisation).
- Neuropathic pain (e.g. post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy).
- Not used for acute seizure management.
💊 Dose (Adults)
- Day 1: 300 mg once daily.
- Day 2: 300 mg twice daily.
- Day 3: 300 mg three times daily (TDS).
- Titrate gradually up to a maximum of 2400 mg/day in divided doses. ⚠️ Doses above 1800 mg/day often provide no additional benefit.
- Adjust dose in renal impairment.
⚠️ Contraindications & Cautions
- No absolute contraindications.
- Caution with drugs that lower seizure threshold (e.g. certain antidepressants, tramadol).
- Renal dose adjustment required.
🤰 Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Gabapentin has been used in pregnancy, but only when benefits outweigh risks.
- Specialist neurological/obstetric input required if used during pregnancy.
- Trace amounts appear in breast milk – safety not well established.
💥 Side Effects
- Common: somnolence, dizziness, fatigue.
- Others: headache, ataxia, tremor, blurred vision, peripheral oedema, weight gain.
- Rare: mood changes, suicidal ideation (monitor mental health carefully).
📚 References
- NICE BNF – Gabapentin
- NICE CG173: Neuropathic pain in adults
- NICE CG137: Epilepsies in children, young people and adults
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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