What is Gabapentin Enacarbil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Gabapentin enacarbil is a medication that helps manage nerve pain and restless legs syndrome. It's actually a special form of gabapentin that your body absorbs more easily and consistently than regular gabapentin. This makes it particularly effective for people who need steady, long-lasting relief from their symptoms throughout the day.

What is Gabapentin Enacarbil?

Gabapentin enacarbil is what doctors call a "prodrug" of gabapentin. This means it's designed to convert into gabapentin once it's in your body. The key difference is that this form gets absorbed much better by your digestive system than regular gabapentin.

Think of it like having a more efficient delivery system for the same helpful medication. Your body can use more of what you take, which often means you need fewer doses throughout the day. This can make managing your condition much more convenient and effective.

What is Gabapentin Enacarbil Used For?

This medication treats two main conditions that can significantly impact your daily life. First, it helps manage restless legs syndrome, that uncomfortable urge to move your legs that often gets worse in the evening. Second, it treats postherpetic neuralgia, which is nerve pain that can persist after a shingles outbreak.

For restless legs syndrome, gabapentin enacarbil can help reduce those creeping, crawling sensations in your legs that make it hard to sit still or fall asleep. Many people find their sleep quality improves significantly once they start treatment.

When it comes to postherpetic neuralgia, this medication can help ease the burning, shooting, or stabbing pain that sometimes follows shingles. This type of nerve pain can be quite persistent and challenging to treat with other medications.

How Does Gabapentin Enacarbil Work?

Gabapentin enacarbil works by calming overactive nerve signals in your body. It attaches to specific calcium channels in your nervous system and helps reduce the abnormal electrical activity that causes nerve pain and restless leg symptoms.

This medication is considered moderately strong and effective for nerve-related conditions. It's not as powerful as some opioid pain medications, but it's often more effective than over-the-counter options for nerve pain. The advantage is that it targets the root cause of nerve pain rather than just masking symptoms.

The "enacarbil" part of this medication acts like a delivery system that helps your body absorb the active ingredient more efficiently. This means you get more consistent levels of the medication in your bloodstream throughout the day.

How Should I Take Gabapentin Enacarbil?

You should take gabapentin enacarbil exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually once daily with your evening meal. Taking it with food helps your body absorb the medication better and can reduce stomach upset.

Swallow the tablets whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking them. The special coating helps control how the medication is released in your body. If you break the tablet, you might get too much medication at once or not enough overall.

Try to take your dose at the same time each evening to maintain steady levels in your system. If you're treating restless legs syndrome, taking it about 5 hours before bedtime often works well, but follow your doctor's specific timing recommendations.

How Long Should I Take Gabapentin Enacarbil For?

The length of treatment varies depending on your condition and how well you respond to the medication. For restless legs syndrome, some people need long-term treatment, while others may find relief after several months and can gradually reduce their dose.

For postherpetic neuralgia, treatment duration depends on how long your nerve pain persists. Some people recover within a few months, while others may need longer treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Never stop taking gabapentin enacarbil suddenly, even if you feel better. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, or difficulty sleeping.

What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin Enacarbil?

Like all medications, gabapentin enacarbil can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment and know when to contact your doctor.

The most common side effects you might experience include dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. These often improve as your body adjusts to the medication over the first few weeks of treatment.

• Dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain
• Swelling in your hands or feet

These common side effects are usually mild and manageable. If they persist or become bothersome, talk with your doctor about adjusting your dose or timing.

Some people may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. While these are less common, it's important to be aware of them so you can get help quickly if needed.

• Severe allergic reactions with rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face and throat
• Thoughts of suicide or unusual mood changes
• Severe dizziness or coordination problems that increase fall risk
• Unusual muscle pain or weakness
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe swelling in legs, ankles, or feet

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

Who Should Not Take Gabapentin Enacarbil?

Certain people should avoid gabapentin enacarbil or use it with extra caution. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose since your kidneys remove this medication from your body.

You should tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Gabapentin enacarbil can sometimes worsen these conditions, especially when you first start taking it or change your dose.

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. While studies in animals haven't shown harm to developing babies, there isn't enough information about safety during human pregnancy.

People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should use this medication carefully, as gabapentin can be habit-forming for some individuals. Your doctor will monitor you closely if you have this risk factor.

Gabapentin Enacarbil Brand Names

Gabapentin enacarbil is available under the brand name Horizant in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed form of this specific medication.

It's important to note that gabapentin enacarbil is different from regular gabapentin, which goes by brand names like Neurontin. While they contain related active ingredients, they're not interchangeable and have different dosing schedules.

Always use the specific brand or generic version your doctor prescribes, as switching between different formulations can affect how well the medication works for you.

Gabapentin Enacarbil Alternatives

Several other medications can treat similar conditions if gabapentin enacarbil doesn't work well for you. For restless legs syndrome, alternatives include pramipexole, ropinirole, or regular gabapentin taken multiple times daily.

For nerve pain conditions like postherpetic neuralgia, other options include pregabalin, duloxetine, or certain anti-seizure medications. Your doctor might also consider topical treatments like lidocaine patches for localized nerve pain.

Non-medication approaches can also help manage symptoms. For restless legs syndrome, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine, and maintaining good sleep habits can be beneficial. For nerve pain, physical therapy, acupuncture, or relaxation techniques might provide additional relief.

Is Gabapentin Enacarbil Better Than Regular Gabapentin?

Gabapentin enacarbil offers some advantages over regular gabapentin, particularly in terms of convenience and consistent absorption. The main benefit is that you typically only need to take it once daily, compared to three times daily for regular gabapentin.

Your body absorbs gabapentin enacarbil more predictably, which means you get more consistent levels of medication throughout the day. This can lead to better symptom control with fewer ups and downs in effectiveness.

However, regular gabapentin has been used longer and is available in more dose strengths, which gives doctors more flexibility in finding the right dose for you. It's also typically less expensive than gabapentin enacarbil.

The best choice depends on your specific situation, including your symptoms, lifestyle, insurance coverage, and how well you respond to treatment. Your doctor can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your needs.