Gabapentin Conversations: Use, Misuse, Overdose, and Safe Prescribing
Disease State Management/Drug Therapy CE for Pharmacists
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Course Summary
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia in adults, and as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older. Currently, there is widespread off-label prescribing. There are concerns that patients are not adequately monitored, and there is limited awareness of formulation differences. Enhanced clinical knowledge, which promotes safe prescribing, improves patient monitoring, prevents adverse outcomes, and supports regulatory compliance, is crucial for optimizing therapeutic benefits and minimizing risks.
Identify the FDA-approved uses of gabapentin
Describe clinical outcomes of gabapentin treatment
Describe gabapentin side effects
Identify the use of drug tapering to discontinue gabapentin
Course Syllabus
I. Introduction
II. History of Gabapentin
III. Clinical Pharmacology
A. Mechanism of Action
B. Pharmacokinetics
IV. Other Drugs Commonly Used to Treat Similar Pain
V. Labeled and Off-label Uses for Gabapentin
A. Labeled Uses
B. Off-Label Uses
VI. Administration and Dosage
A. Formulations and Strengths
B. Significant Warnings/Precautions
C. Adverse Reactions
D. Drug Interactions
E. Specific Populations
F. Lookalike/Soundalike Concerns
G. Storage and Handling
VII. Postmarketing Clinical Studies
A. Postherpetic Neuralgia
B. Restless Legs Syndrome
C. Diabetic Neuropathy
D. Fibromyalgia
E. Mood Disorders/Depression/Anxiety
F. Dystonias in Children
VIII. Gabapentin Misuse
IX. Gabapentin Overdose
A. Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose
B. Risks Associated with Prescribing Gabapentin with Opioids
X. Overdose Treatment
XI. Withdrawal from Gabapentin
XII. Case Study: Gabapentin Withdrawal
XIII. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Sandra Rogers, MD, Kristina (Tia) Neu, Ashley Walsh, PharmD, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. None of the faculty members has a conflict of interest or financial relationship related to the subject matter of this activity. There are no financial relationships or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose by RxCe.com or 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.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacist
- Secondary Audiences: This educational activity is also for other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, or others who may be part of a healthcare team and may be interested in this educational topic. A healthcare team approach to patient care may be discussed in this activity, as applicable. No state board or professional organization has evaluated this activity to determine whether it meets the continuing education requirements of nurses, physicians, or other professions not listed under the “Target Audience” described above. Always verify with individual employers or supervisors whether they will accept this educational activity upon completion.
- Contact Hours: 2.0 (0.2 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 11/4/2025
- Activity Expiration Date: 11/4/2028
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-25-141-H01-P
- Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
- CeBroker Number: 20-1339516
Faculty:
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