gabapentin(Neurontin, Gralise (extended-release for PHN only), Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil, ER prodrug for RLS / PHN))
Gabapentinoid (anticonvulsant, neuropathic pain agent)
Pronunciation
Pronunciation coming soon
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Say it aloud once — you will remember it forever.
At a glance
- Generic name
- gabapentin
- Brand names
- Neurontin, Gralise (extended-release for PHN only), Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil, ER prodrug for RLS / PHN)
- Therapeutic class
- Gabapentinoid (anticonvulsant, neuropathic pain agent)
- Mechanism (summary)
- Binds the α2δ subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels in the central nervous system. The precise mechanism is unknown, but it reduces neuronal hyperexcitability. Despite its name and structural similarity to GABA, it does NOT bind GABA A or GABA B receptors, is not conve...
Clinical pearls
- Take exactly as prescribed and don\\'t skip doses, even if you feel
- fine --- for nerve pain, missing doses can let symptoms return
- quickly.
- Drowsiness and dizziness are common when you first start. Don\\'t
- drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you
Sources
See how gabapentin appears in NAPLEX-style questions
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