Medicine & USMLE

Gabapentin

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Neuro Drugs
  1. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  2. Cholinergic Crisis
  3. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  4. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  5. Donepezil
  6. Memantine
  7. Scopolamine
  8. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  9. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  10. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  11. Propofol
  12. Halothane / Flurane
  13. Opioids
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Lidocaine
  16. Ergotamine
  17. Triptans
  18. Pregabalin
  19. Gabapentin
  20. Ramelteon

Summary

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat seizures, but more commonly prescribed to treat peripheral neuropathy and other neuropathic pain. The biggest side effect of gabapentin is drowsiness and sedation.

Key Points

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    • Mechanism
      • Drug class: Anticonvulsant/Antiseizure
        • Inhibits spontaneous neuron firing by inhibiting the calcium channels
    • Clinical Use
      • Neuropathic pain
        • Diabetic neuropathy
        • Postherpetic neuralgia (neuropathic pain following shingles)
      • Partial seizures
      • Migraine headaches
      • Bipolar disorder
      • Menopausal symptoms
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Sedation/Drowsiness
        • Closely monitor older adults, as the sedative effects may increase their risk for falls
        • Educate patients not to drive until they know how the medication effects them
      • Ataxia
      • Dizziness