Gabapentin is sold under the brand name "Neurontin".
Gabapentin is approved by the FDA for use in certain types of seizures and postherpetic neuralgia. It is not approved for use in Bipolar Disorder.
Gabapentin seems to work by reducing the depolarization of certain calcium channels. It may also cause the release of GABA from presynaptic stores.
Gabapentin has been used extensively in psychiatry. Early reports of benefit in Bipolar Disorder led the company that owned it to pursue studies in Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately these studies were negative. Gabapentin continues to be used adjunctively in many psychiatric disorders, however, because of its mildly calming, possibly anxiolytic effects. It is also very safe and has virtually no kinetic drug interactions (it is completely eliminated by the kidneys as gabapentin, i.e. there is no metabolism or biological processing of the drug by the body before elimination). It is sometimes added as an adjunct to other medications to mixed manias and anxiety disorders. It can be useful as a mild “sleeper”. It can also be useful as a substitute for alcohol for people trying to stop drinking. It is a medication that can be somewhat useful for many things, but seldom definitive for anything.
The side effects of gabapentin are generally related to its mildly sedating properties and include dizziness, difficulty walking, blurred vision, nausea, weight gain and others. It can sometimes cause an annoying swelling in the lower extremities that does not resolve with time.
Gabapentin has not been associated with birth defects, but the association of so many other medications in its class with birth defects suggests caution in using it in pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, call the office for an urgent appointment to discuss the medication options in pregnancy.
If you miss a dose of gabapentin do not add the missed dose to the next dose. As with all medications, take the gabapentin regularly as prescribed.
