Gabapentin is an amino acid, an analog of GABA,that is effective against partial seizures and antineurologic. Originally planned as spasmolytic, it was found to be more effective as an antiseizure drug. Inspire of their close structural resemblance to GABA, Gabapentin do not act directly on GABA receptors. It may, however, modify the synaptic or nonsynaptic release of GABA .Gabapentin is not metabolized and does not induce hepatic enzyme. Absorption is nonlinear and dose dependent at very high doses, the drug is not bound to plasma proteins. Elimination is via renal mechanisms. The drug is excreted unchanged. The half-life is short , ranging from 5hours to 8 hours .


Precautions:
Before taking Gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to Gabapentin enacarbil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, breathing problems.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, slow/shallow breathing, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Dizziness and loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems concentrating, restlessness.

Pregnancy and breasfeeding:
During pregnancy,and breastfeeding this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Side Effects :

:Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.



Dosage:

Gabapentin is effective as an adjuant against partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures at dosage that range up to 2400 mg/d in controlled clinical trials. It is available only in oral form, and the daily dose range from 150mg/d to 600mg/d usually in two or three divided administration.

Drug interaction:
Combinations containing any of the following medications depending on the amount present , may also interact with this medication.
Alcohol, central nervous system(CNS)depression-producing medications, antacid especially Aluminum and magnesium –containing(antacid taken with or within 2 hours after Gabapentin or Gabapantin should be taken at least 2 hours after antacid) , Hydrocodone, Morphine, naproxen.