Gabatop (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant originally marketed as a drug that reduces the frequency of some types of seizures. While still widely used for that purpose, it has also been discovered to be effective at minimizing or eliminating neuropathic pain, which it is also widely used for.

Less commonly Gabatop may be used in an array of off-label uses, from anxiety to migraines, though use in many of these scenarios is somewhat controversial.

Gabatop is rarely used in patients below age 12, and when it is used it is nearly always to manage a seizure condition. Use in such young patients should not be attempted without the involvement of a doctor, and parents should be aware that mood-altering side effects are more common in this age group than in older patients.

Conditions Treated

Gabatop is very effective in some conditions, but offers little benefit in others. All patients are advised to consult a doctor prior to starting treatment.

In seizures, Gabatop is typically used to prevent:

• Focal seizures
• Mixed seizures
• Sometimes generalized seizures

And in pain:

• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Central neuropathic pain
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal injuries
• Cancer
• Similar painful conditions

Off-label uses include:

• Menopausal symptoms
• Uremic pruritus in renal failure
• Restless leg syndrome
• Insomnia
• Anxiety disorders
• Migraines
• Others

Use between patients can also be quite variable; one patient with diabetic neuropathy may find pain fully relieved, another with the same condition may find the medication does nothing. If effects are poor or non-existent during treatment don't be afraid to consult a doctor. There are many alternative treatments that may work better for an individual.

Taking Gabatop

Gabatop comes in both capsules and tablets. Dosage and an administration schedule will ideally be determined by a doctor. In preventing seizures and managing pain treatment is remarkably similar between adult patients.

For seizures:

• Most patients are started on 900 to 1800 mg per day.
• Each daily dose should be divided into 3 smaller doses taken throughout the day.
• Time between doses should be at least 4 hours apart but not be more than 12 hours apart.
• Daily doses may be increased up to 2400 per day if lower doses do not produce good results.
• Rarely doses may increase to 3600 mg per day; do not exceed this amount.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

For pain:

• On day one, a single 300 mg dose is taken.
• On day two, 600 mg is taken, divided into two 300 mg doses.
• On day three, 900 mg is taken, divided into three 300 mg doses.
• Time between doses should be at least 4 hours apart but not be more than 12 hours apart.
• Dosage may be increased up to to 1800 mg per day if lower levels are ineffective, divided into 3 doses.
• Doses higher than 1800 mg per day are unlikely to provide additional relief.
• Treatment may continue as long as needed to manage pain.

Off-label uses are much more variable. Patients are advised to find a doctor or organization familiar with using the medication for a given condition. As off-label uses are not approved by regulatory authorities, it can be very difficult to find widely-accepted dosage and administration guidelines. As a general rule, dosage for off-label use should not exceed 1800 mg per day.

Another variable with Gabatop is how quickly it begins working; some patients will notice improvements a day or two after the first dose, others must wait several weeks. In general pain relief is toward the quicker side and seizure relief is toward the slower, but there are numerous exceptions.

Assuming no adverse effects develop, treatment with Gabatop typically continues for as long as needed, which may be just a few days for flare-ups or spanning years for managing seizures. Note that if Gabatop is taken for more than a few weeks to treat seizures treatment should not end abruptly; this can result in an increase of seizures. A doctor can help come up with a discontinuation plan.

Side Effects

Most side effects associated with Gabatop are mild and stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment. Most commonly reported are:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Peripheral edema
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hyperactivity

There is some association with anticonvulsant use and depression or suicidal thoughts, though this is disputed by many drug developers. Younger patients under 24 in particular should be alert for, or monitored for, symptoms of increasing depression.

Gabatop should be used with caution in patients who have liver or kidney problems.

Since it may cause drowsiness and mild confusion, patients should not attempt to perform complex tasks until the effects are known.

Effects of Gabatop on unborn or nursing babies are unclear; parents should discuss possible risks with a trusted doctor before use.