Gabtin (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant medication predominantly used to prevent seizures, but which is also used to control certain types of pain. Less commonly---and somewhat controversially---Gabtin is used in a variety of other conditions.

The medication is used to treat:

• Certain types of seizures
• Neuropathic pain
• Menopausal symptoms
• Uremic pruritus in liver failure
• Restless leg syndrome
• Insomnia
• Spasticity in multiple sclerosis
• Anxiety disorders
• Nystagmus
• Migraines

The active ingredient in Gabtin is also used in veterinary medicine to treat similar conditions.

Treatment is often long-term, and other medications may also be given along with Gabtin for greater results.

With doctor supervision the drug may be given to patients as young as 3, though those between 3 and 12 years of age are more prone to mood-altering side effects.

Treating Seizures

Gabtin has proven effective in helping prevent certain types of seizures, including focal, mixed or generalized seizures. Dosage should be individualized according to the type of seizure, frequency and severity of seizures, and of course patient response to treatment. Other factors like age and weight will also influence dosage.

General treatment guidelines are:

• 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.

It may take several weeks for Gabtin to start producing a noticeable reduction in seizure frequency. The medication is not effective for everyone; if improvements are not noticed after several weeks of use, speak with a doctor about alternative therapies.

When Gabtin has been used long-term patients should be gradually tapered off if treatment ends, taking progressively lower doses over the course of several weeks. If other anticonvulsant medications are added or removed during treatment with Gabtin, this should also be done gradually to ensure no serious adverse reactions develop.

Managing Pain

Gabtin is used to help manage neuropathic pain, such as from postherpetic neuralgia, central neuropathic pain, or diabetic neuropathy. It is generally not effective in other types of pain.

Treatment typically consists of:

• 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.
• Dosage may be increased to 1800 mg per day if lower levels are ineffective, divided into 3 doses.
• Treatment may continue as long as needed to manage pain.
• Time between doses should be at least 4 hours apart but not be more than 12 hours apart.

Some patients notice pain relief right away; others may need to take Gabtin for several weeks before significant, lasting effects are experienced. Additional pain management measures may be utilized in the interim.

As with treating seizures, if Gabtin has been taken long-term the medication should be gradually tapered down when treatment ends.

Other Uses

Gabtin is often used off-label to treat a variety of conditions, though this is sometimes controversial. Off-label use is legal provided a doctor prescribed the medication.

There are no standard dosage & administration guidelines for off-label uses; patients will need to find a doctor or organization familiar with using the product for a particular affliction.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Gabtin 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.

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

Most side effects are mild and stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment. The most common side effects include:

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

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive or persist past the first few weeks of treatment.