Gabapentinoids
- Alpha-2-delta calcium-channel ligands
- Neuropathic pain; pregabalin also fibromyalgia
- Gabapentin/pregabalin also antiseizure drugs
- Sedation, dizziness, edema + weight gain
- Renally cleared → dose by kidney function
- Misuse occurs, especially with opioids
- Opioid combo ↑ respiratory-depression risk
Class at a glance
- Alpha-2-delta calcium-channel ligands
Clinical role
- Neuropathic pain; pregabalin also fibromyalgia
- Misuse occurs, especially with opioids
Safety / monitoring
- Gabapentin/pregabalin also antiseizure drugs
- Sedation, dizziness, edema + weight gain
Safety distinctions
- Renally cleared → dose by kidney function
- Opioid combo ↑ respiratory-depression risk
Pearls
- Renal accumulation → slow-onset confusion that clears slowly
- Respiratory depression risk also with COPD and older age
- Pregabalin Schedule V; gabapentin scheduled in some states
Self-check
- How does Gabapentinoids work?
Alpha-2-delta calcium-channel ligands. - What determines gabapentinoid dosing?
Kidney function.
Drugs in this class (3)
Gabapentinoids prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antiseizure meds (1869–2026). Gabapentinoids highlighted from 1994.
All drug classes · Open Gabapentinoids in the interactive console ↗