Gabapin (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant medication predominantly used to reduce the frequency and severity of some types of seizures. It is also widely used off-label to treat neuropathic pain and, less commonly, in a range of other conditions from migraines to anxiety. Off-label uses are somewhat controversial as the benefits of the medication are disputed.

With doctor supervision Gabapin may be given to patients as young as 3 years old.

Gabapin is typically used long-term and is generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild and transient. Children between 3 and 12 years of age are somewhat more likely to experience mood-altering side effects. It is suitable for use in elderly patients, provided there is no significant renal impairment.

Treating Seizures

It's important to understand that Gabapin works well for some types of seizures, but will have little to no effect on other types. It is most commonly used to treat:

• Focal seizures
• Mixed seizures
• Sometimes generalized seizures

It can take several weeks of treatment for significant results to be seen. If the medication is working as intended, seizures should occur with less frequency or be eliminated entirely. When seizures do occur they may be less severe than before.

Gabapin treatment is very similar in all patients over age 12, though dosage may vary to some extent according to personal factors like weight, other medical conditions, response to treatment, and so forth. A doctor should determine dosage for patients under age 12.

In patients age 12 and up:

• 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 mg per day if lower doses do not produce good results.
• Rarely doses may increase to 3600 mg per day; do not exceed this amount.

Gabapin is typically taken long term, often spanning years. If taken for more than a few consecutive weeks treatment should not end abruptly; doing so can cause an increase in seizures. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan, in which dosage is gradually tapered down over several weeks.

Seizures are a complicated subject and Gabapin will not produce results for all types or for all individuals. If no significant benefit is seen after four weeks of treatment a doctor should be consulted. Dosage may be increased or other options may be considered.

Neuropathic Pain

Gabapin can be beneficial in treating neuropathic pain, as well as a few other types of nerve pain. This product provides little to no benefit with other types of pain, such as headaches, puncture wounds, broken bones, and so forth. It is most commonly used to help manage:

• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Central neuropathic pain
• Diabetic neuropathy

Duration of treatment is much more variable in pain than in seizures; it may be used for just a few days, or it may be taken daily for months or years. Many patients experience significant pain relief with the first few doses, though others will need to take it for several weeks for consistent relief.

If Gabapin is used for pain, treatment is typically:

• 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.
• 900 mg per day is suitable for most patients.
• If needed, dosage may be increased to 1800 mg per day.
• Treatment may continue as long as needed to manage pain.
• Time between doses should be at least 4 hours apart but not more than 12 hours apart.

Other pain relievers can be given along with Gabapin, ranging from over-the-counter NSAIDs to morphine. However, always double-check with a doctor before mixing medications to ensure there will be no interactions.

Other Uses

Gabapin is used in a wide range of other conditions, though it is not always the most effective option for certain ailments or certain individuals. Many of its off-label uses are quite controversial, with some studies indicating it provides significant benefit and other studies indicating it provides no benefit whatsoever.

A small selection of other applications includes:

• Menopausal symptoms
• Uremic pruritus in liver failure
• Restless leg syndrome
• Insomnia
• Spasticity in multiple sclerosis
• Anxiety disorders
• Nystagmus
• Migraines

Using Gabapin for the above can vary widely, depending on the condition being addressed. There are no official dosage & administration guidelines for these off-label uses. Patients are advised to find a doctor or organization familiar with using Gabapin to treat a given condition.

Adverse Effects

Side effects from Gabapin are unusual, usually mild, and usually transient, meaning they'll stop occurring at all after a few weeks of treatment. The most common side effects include:

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

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

Effects of Gabapin on unborn or nursing babies are unclear; mothers should avoid this medication unless absolutely necessary.