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Oct. 1, 2024 – Gabapentin is a prescription medication that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1993 as a treatment for epilepsy. It works by binding to a type of calcium channel in nerve cells, “which is thought to modify how the nerve functions,” explains Dr. Tom Lombardi. While gabapentin can be helpful in a number of circumstances, some of the common side effects associated with taking the drug as directed include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, weight gain, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, back or joint pain and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fever and body aches. 

Rare but serious side effects include rash, itching, yellowing of the skin, swelling of the face and throat, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing and changes in memory, personality or ability to concentrate.

The more you know: Left untreated, heartburn can turn into this more serious digestive disease: GERD

What is gabapentin used for? 

When used as directed, gabapentin is known to have numerous uses and benefits. It has been FDA-approved to help control and treat seizures and to diminish a specific type of nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia that often follows a shingles’ diagnosis. 

In addition to these FDA-approved uses, Tedeschi says gabapentin is also sometimes prescribed off-label by providers for a variety of other medical conditions. (Off-label use means evidence exists that a drug is helpful in treating conditions other than those for which it has been FDA approved.)

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