Gabapentin

Abstract

Gabapentin is a novel antiepileptic drug that has recently been introduced in Canada. Although its mechanism of action remains to be defined gabapentin is effective in a number of seizure models which predict its efficacy in partial and tonic-clonic seizures. Clinical studies support the clinical efficacy of gabapentin as adjunctive therapy in adults with epilepsy with partial and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Gabapentin has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and is generally well tolerated. More clinical data are required on the role of gabapentin in children and additional monotherapy experience is required before the role of gabapentin in the overall treatment of epilepsy can be better defined.