Gabimax (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant medication most widely approved to treat focal or mixed seizures, at which it is quite effective, though it does carry some risk of serious side effects.

Other uses can be controversial and are often off-label, depending on location. Some estimates claim that 90 percent of this drug's use is off-label. In many places it is considered the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain, and it may also be used to treat anxiety or other mood disorders, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, alcohol or nicotine withdrawal, and other similar conditions. Note that off-label use is legal provided a doctor has prescribed the medication.

Gabimax can be used in patients as young as 3 years old, usually to treat seizure disorders. However, patients between ages 3 to 12 are more prone to mood-altering side effects. Other medications may be be preferred in young patients, with Gabimax tried only if more suitable treatments fail to produce results.

Treating Seizures

In treating seizures Gabimax is taken multiple times per day. If treatment is effective seizures will occur less frequently and will be less severe when or if they do occur.

Gabimax comes in capsules, which can be swallowed whole or opened and mixed on soft foods, provided the food is consumed immediately and not chewed. A glass of fluid is recommended with each dose. Food is optional, but may alleviate gastrointestinal side effects, if experienced.

Treatment is typically similar for all adults:

• Most patients are started on 900 to 1800 mg per day.
• Each daily dose should be divided into 3 smaller doses.
• 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.
• Time between doses should be at least 4 hours apart but not be more than 12 hours apart.

Treatment is typically long-term, often spanning years. Other medications to further treat seizures are also often given along with Gabimax.

Seizures are a complicated subject and Gabimax will not work on all types or for all individuals. Significant effects should be noticeable about three to four weeks after starting treatment; if no improvement is noticed, a doctor should be consulted. Other options will likely be considered.

Treating Neuropathic Pain

Gabimax is often beneficial in treating neuropathic pain, as well as a few other types of nerve pain. It is usually not particularly effective in pain from wounds, headaches, and so forth. Use in pain can be quite controversial, with some studies claiming it works wonders while others claim it does nothing at all. It is unclear why such different results are obtained.

If Gabimax is tried 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.

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.

Other pain relievers can be given along with Gabimax, 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 Off-Label Uses

Gabimax is used in a wide range of other conditions, though it is not always the most effective option for certain ailments and many of its other uses are quite controversial. A small selection of other applications includes:

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

Looking at migraines, for example, the current prevailing research indicates Gabimax does not provide significant benefit in prevention or treatment. Regardless, some individuals insist it works very well in treating migraines. Ultimately it is up to the patient to decide if it works or doesn't.

There are no official dosage & administration guidelines for these other uses. Patients are advised to find a doctor or organization familiar with using Gabimax to treat a given condition.

Potential Complications

Side effects from Gabimax are unusual, and usually mild and 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, including Gabimax, and worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and so forth, 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 or aggression.

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