What it's used for
- Nerve pain
- Epilepsy
- Off-label for anxiety, sleep and alcohol use
Read about: Alcohol use disorder
How it works: Binds the α2δ subunit of calcium channels.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Dependence
Tapering considerations
- Most-searched withdrawal topic in our data.
- Taper gradually; seizures can occur if stopped abruptly.
For prescribers & facilitators
- Absorption is saturable — higher doses are proportionally less absorbed.
- Adjust for kidney function.
Sources
- 01Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms (NG215)
NICE Guideline, 2022
- 02The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024