Gabapentin?

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Does anyone know what reasons why someone might be prescribed gabapentin? Pt has never had a seizure, no neuralgia. I have looked on the net and it seems it's sometimes prescribed for anxiety- pt has a history of depression.

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What is the patient's PMH? maybe there's something you missed. Has the patient ever had shingles?

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PMH includes chronic renal failure, CVA, DVT, PE, hypertension, depression with multiple suicide attempts. Just underwent a total knee replacement. Nothing was mentioned of shingles, but it did say he's never had a seizure.

I think I'm going to make a trip back down and look back through his files because nothings making sense to me.

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Is patient going through menopause? Hot flashes? Gabapentin can also be used for diabetic patients. Does your patient have a history of diabetes?

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Gabapentin is used for depression....Those with ADD, Bipolar, Anxiety, are many times put on Gabapentin.

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Only reason I know this is because I was prescribed it a couple of years ago for ADD and anxiety...

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

i take it as an add-on to my keppra. i may have between 800 mg and 1200 mg per day depending on weather or if i have a temp. most days, i take 900 mg./day

my type-1 diabetic husband takes 100 mg at hs for neuropathy.

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No, no diabetes. I'm going to go back in Monday and review the medical record. I bet it is for depression though.

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anticonvulsants, like lamictal for example, are often used to treat depression or bipolar disorders. they act as a mood stabilizer.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is also used for neuropathic pain. If the patient has issues with chronic pain, that may be the reason for receiving this medication.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

A lot of Chronic Renal Failure patients have neuropathy.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Our MDs use gabapentin for the following: neuropathic pain, seizures, mood stabilization, anxiety and/or as a sleep aid (the last is given as one large dose HS).

Dig around in the chart a bit more to see what you can find...or even ask the patient's nurse/MD.

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