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Gabapentin (Oral Route)
Drug Information provided by: MicromedexUS Brand Names
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Description
Gabapentin is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Gabapentin is also used in adults to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that occurs after “shingles.”
Gabapentin extended-release tablets is used to treat a condition called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). RLS is a neurologic disorder that affects sensation and movement in the legs to feel uncomfortable. This results in an irresistible feeling of wanting to move your legs to make them comfortable.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant. It increases the amount of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It is felt that some epileptic seizures occur when there are low levels of GABA in the brain. By increasing the amount of GABA, gabapentin reduces the number of seizures.
Gabapentin also works to relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, gabapentin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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