Gabapentin (1-aminomethyl-cyclohexaneacetic acid) is an amino acid that has the structure of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Gabapentin is used as an anticonvulsant to treat seizures and neuropathic pain (nerve pain). It is also used after surgeries and as an adjunct in the control of chronic pain, especially arthritis pain
The drug was initially introduced in 1994 as an antiepileptic drug (AED), primarily for partial seizures.
Gabapentin works by reducing lesion-induced hyperexcitability of posterior horn neurons, which is responsible for central sensitization.
The commercially available oral suspension of gabapentin contains xylitol and should not be used in birds. Gabapentin should be extemporaneously compounded for each patient.
