Author
Susan DePasquale, MSN, FPMHNP-BC
Amanda Mayer, PharmD
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
  • Target Audience: Pharmacist
  • Credits: 1.0
  • Activity Release Date: 8/24/2022
  • Activity Expiration Date: 8/24/2025
  • Activity Type: Knowledge
  • UAN: 0669-0000-22-003-H01-P
  • Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
  • CeBroker Number: 20-950068
Total Price
$3.99
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Course Summary
Gabapentin was originally developed as an anticonvulsant medication and, over time, has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including seizures, diabetic neuropathy, restless legs syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Gabapentin is often used to treat acute or chronic pain associated with many of these conditions, which can help improve a patient’s quality of life. Gabapentin has also been used in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders; however, there are no formal randomized controlled trials on this topic. Gabapentin use can produce side effects such as somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Course Objectives
  • Identify the uses of gabapentin for the treatment of seizure disorders, pain management, and restless leg syndrome
  • Describe the basic pharmacological profile, use, and clinical outcomes of gabapentin treatment
  • Describe the potential contraindications and side effects
  • Identify drug overdose and the use of drug tapering to discontinue gabapentin

I. Introduction

II. History of the Drug

III. Clinical Pharmacology

1. Mechanism of Action
2. Pharmacokinetics
3. Other Drugs Commonly Used to Treat Similar Pain

IV. Labeled and Off-label Uses for Gabapentin

1. Labeled Uses
2. Off-Label Uses

V. Administration and Dosage

1. Formulations and Strengths
2. Significant Warnings/Precautions
3. Adverse Reactions
4. Drug Interactions
5. Specific Populations
6. Lookalike/Soundalike Concerns
7. Storage and Handling

VI. Postmarketing Clinical Studies

1. Postherpetic Neuralgia
2. Restless Legs Syndrome
3. Diabetic Neuropathy
4. Fibromyalgia
5. Mood Disorders/Depression/Anxiety
6. Dystonias in Children

VII. Gabapentin Misuse

VIII. Gabapentin Overdose

1. Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose
2. Risks Associated with Prescribing Gabapentin with Opioids

IX. Overdose Treatment

X. Withdrawal from Gabapentin

XI. Case Study: Gabapentin Withdrawal

XII. Summary

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Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Amanda Mayer, PharmD, Jeff Goldberg, PharmD, BCPP, and Steve Malen, PharmD. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
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