Lowcarber replied: "Gabapentin (Neurontin) Definition Gabapentin is a pre ion drug that was initially approved to help manage epilepsy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved gabapentin for treatment of the nerve pain that sometimes accompanies herpes infections. Gabapentin is available in the United States under the trade name Neurontin. Purpose Although the FDA has only approved gabapentin for managing epilepsy and treating nerve pain associated with herpes infections, doctors often prescribe the medication for managing other conditions, including tremors associated with multiple sclerosis, nerve pain, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. De ion As an antiepileptic drug, gabapentin may be used in conjunction with other drugs to prevent partial seizures. Partial seizures are caused by brief abnormal electrical activity in localized areas of the brain. Partial seizures usually do not cause unconsciousness, but may cause rhythmic contractions in one area of the body or abnormal numbness or tingling sensations. Although gabapentin was originally approved by the FDA in 1993, it is still not understood how gabapentin prevents seizures. However, the drug is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurochemical that possesses inhibitory properties. In brain cells, these inhibitory actions prevent excitatory electrical impulses from spreading to neighboring cells. As a result, gabapentin probably prevents the spread of abnormal excitatory activity in the brain at least in part, by mimicking the actions of GABA. By preventing excitatory communication between cells, gabapentin may also inhibit the electrical impulses involved in pain conduction. This may account for the drug's ability to alleviate pain, especially nerve pain. When gabapentin is used along with other therapies for managing epileptic partial seizures, improvements should be observed within 12 weeks. On the other hand, pain relief may be evident within one week when the drug is used for pain associated with herpes infections. Recommended dosage For adults, the initial dose of gabapentin is 300 mg taken by mouth three times each day. The dosage may be increased if necessary. Dosages as high as 8001,200 mg three times daily have been well tolerated."