Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant prescription drug that goes by several brand names including, Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone, and Fanatrex. It was approved by the FDA in December 1993 for the following main uses.
- Controlling certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy
- Relieving nerve pain (think: burning, stabbing, or aches) from shingles
- Calming restless legs syndrome
But since it’s been available, gabapentin has also been used off-label in psychiatry to treat patients with treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders as well as alcohol-withdrawal and post-traumatic stress. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain for seizures and changing the way the body senses pain for nerve pain. Researchers don’t know exactly how it works for psychiatric conditions.
Treatment with Gabapentin: Important Things to Know Before Taking Gabapentin
Before you start gabapentin therapy, you should have a thorough medical exam to rule out any medical issues. This includes any blood or urine tests. Medical evaluations are important as gabapentin can induce hormonal imbalances, which is especially important if you have a thyroid condition. Like any other drugs, you should not take gabapentin if you’re allergic to it.
There are side effects—more on that in a minute. But a few of the most important things your doctor will want to find out before prescribing gabapentin is if you have or have had any of the following:
- Diabetes
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Kidney problems (or if you’re on dialysis)
- Liver or heart disease
- Lung disease (see the warning above on respiratory issues)
- Mood disorders, depression or bipolar; or if you’ve ever thought about suicide or attempted suicide
Seizures (unless, of course, you’re taking it for seizures)
