Gabapentin

Description

Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. It is a GABA analogue that works by affecting the nervous system to reduce abnormal brain activity and alleviate pain signals. Despite its similarity to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Gabapentin does not act directly on GABA receptors but binds to calcium channels in the nervous system, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Gabapentin is most commonly prescribed for conditions such as post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures in epilepsy. It has also shown effectiveness in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) and anxiety disorders.