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What Is Gabapentin Good For?

Rendering showing nerves in the brain, back and neck
The main uses for gabapentin (Neuraptine, Gralise, and Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack), an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication, include treating seizure disorders and postherpetic neuralgia (the pain that follows an episode of shingles).

Gabapentin (Neuraptine, Gralise, and Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack) is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to treat:

  • Seizure disorders
  • Postherpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles

Off-label uses (uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA) for gabapentin include:

What Are Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Side effects of gabapentin include: 

Serious side effects of gabapentin include:

Antiepileptic medications including gabapentin have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Tell your doctor if this occurs.

What Is the Dosage of Gabapentin?

  • The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 12 years of age and older is up to 600 mg three times daily.
  • The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 3 to 11 years of age is based on the patient’s body weight. 
  • The dose of gabapentin to treat postherpetic neuralgia is up to 1800 mg/day. 

What Are Drug Interactions of Gabapentin?

Drug interactions of gabapentin include: 

  • Antacids
  • Morphine

Can Gabapentin Be Used During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding?

  • The safety of gabapentin during pregnancy is unknown. 
  • Gabapentin is secreted in human breast milk.
  • Breastfeeding while using gabapentin is not recommended.

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References
REFERENCES:

Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.goodrx.com/gabapentin/gabapentin-for-anxiety

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf