Gabapentin Overdose and Toxicity
What Is Gabapentin? Gabapentin is a pharmaceutical medication originally intended for use in the treatment of seizures. However, gabapentin is most commonly prescribed for conditions other than seizures and epilepsy, such as pain syndromes. Since gabapentin is not an opioid, in theory, it has lower abuse potential and is more readily prescribed for pain than more addictive medications. Gabapentin can also be used to treat: Nerve pain, such as from a shingles outbreak Treating alcohol or cocaine withdrawal Restless legs syndrome Diabetic neuropathy Fibromyalgia Hot flashes How Does Gabapentin Work? Gabapentin is a calming chemical that has a similar chemical structure to Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a brain chemical that calms the nervous system. However, gabapentin does not bind to the body’s GABA receptors. Instead, gabapentin affects the body’s calcium channels to reduce seizures and nerve…