Untitled Slide

Untitled Slide

GABAPENTIN

• Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a pharmaceutical drug, specifically a GABA analog.
• It was originally developed to treat epilepsy, and currently is also used to relieve neuropathic pain.

THE USE OF GABAPENTIN

• Gabapentin is used primarily to treat seizures, neuropathic pain, including concussions, and hot flashes.
• There are, however, concerns regarding the quality of the research on its use to treat migraines, bipolar disorders, and pain.

WHAT IT DOES

• Gabapentin interacts with voltage-sensitive calcium channels in cortical neurons.
• Gabapentin increases the synaptic concentration of GABA, enhances GABA responses at non-synaptic sites in neuronal tissues, and reduces the release of mono-amine neurotransmitters.
• One of the mechanisms implicated in this effect of gabapentin is the reduction of the axon excitability measured as an amplitude change of the presynaptic fibre volley (FV) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus.
• This is mediated through its binding to presynaptic NMDA receptors.
• Other studies have shown that the antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects of gabapentin are mediated by the descending noradrenergic system, resulting in the activation of spinal alpha2-adrenergic receptors.

WHAT IT DOES

• Other studies have shown that the antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects of gabapentin are mediated by the descending noradrenergic system, resulting in the activation of spinal alpha2-adrenergic receptors.
• Gabapentin has also been shown to bind and activate the adenosine A1 receptor.7

WHAT IS IN IT

• Inactive ingredients in the oral solution: glycerin, xylitol, purified water, and artificial flavor.