Gabapentin

Question 1

Another name for Gabapentin

Answer 1

Neurontin

Question 2

Class of drug for Gabapentin

Answer 2

Antiepileptic

Prevents seizures

Question 3

Main indicators for Gabapentin

Answer 3

Seizures

Restless leg syndrome

Neuralgia (Nerve Pain)

Question 4

Off label indicator

Answer 4

Anxiety

Alcoholism Withdrawal

“Good for MH patients with neuropathy.”

Question 5

How does Gabapentin work:

Answer 5

It blocks voltage gated calcium channels

Question 6

Main side effects

Answer 6

SEDATION

dizziness

Ataxia - involuntary coordination

fatigue

Ask about bilateral EDEMA

Question 7

What organ to monitor with the use of Gabapentin

Answer 7

Kidney

You can still give even with Abnormal Kidney function

You may have to increase dosage after Hemodialysis

Question 8

Minimal effective dosage for Gabapentin

Answer 8

300 mg/TID

Question 9

Dosage for Seizures

Answer 9

300 mg/TID

You can start initially

Question 10

How to titrate generally

Answer 10

Day 1: 300 mg/ QD
Day 2: 300 mg/BID
Day 3: 300 mg/TID

Question 11

Dosage for insomnia or nightmares

Answer 11

300 - 600 mg/ HS

Question 12

Usual maximum dosage

Answer 12

300 mg/ TID

Question 13

Biggest risk factor (s) of Gabapentin usage

Answer 13

Diversion

Abuse

Respiratory Distress

Question 14

Taper?

Answer 14

Yes

Over one week

Question 15

Habit forming

Answer 15

No

Question 16

Risk of sudden D/C

Answer 16

Seizure threshold lower

Withdrawal effects

Withdrawal: Disorientation, anxiety, palpitation, sweating and abdominal cramps

Question 17

Kidney Impairment

Answer 17

Lower dosage (See Stahl)

Add another dosage after dialysis is done

Question 18

Liver Impairment

Answer 18

Nothing

This is a good thing. There are no interactions concerns.

Question 19

Cardiac Impairment

Answer 19

None

Question 20

Elderly population

Answer 20

You may need to lower dosage

Beware: Peripheral edema or ataxia