Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that manifests as a tendency to experience recurrent seizures. The management of epilepsy often involves the use of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) to control seizure activity. Gabapentin, a commonly prescribed AED, has shown efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy. This abstract aims to summarize the effectiveness of gabapentin in managing epilepsy based on available clinical evidence.
Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of gabapentin in epilepsy treatment. Clinical trials and retrospective studies have consistently demonstrated the beneficial effects of gabapentin in reducing seizure frequency and improving overall seizure control. Gabapentin's mechanism of action involves binding to the α2δ subunit of voltage gated calcium channels, modulating neurotransmitter release and dampening excessive neuronal excitability.
Furthermore, gabapentin exhibits a favorable safety profile, with most adverse effects being mild to moderate in nature. Common side effects include dizziness, somnolence, and mild gastrointestinal disturbances. The incidence of serious adverse events is relatively low, making gabapentin well-tolerated by patients with epilepsy.
