Gabapentin Conversations: Use, Misuse, Overdose, and Safe Prescribing
Pain Management/Opioids CE for Pharmacist & Pharmacy Techs
Monograph
Course Summary
Gabapentin is FDA-approved for postherpetic neuralgia in adults, for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization, in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with epilepsy. The dosage and frequency of dosing depend on the condition being treated, the patient's age, and other factors. It is not a federally controlled substance, but multiple states have enacted rules to monitor its use due to concerns. Currently, widespread off-label prescribing has led to inconsistent monitoring and limited awareness of formulation differences. Scientists are also questioning the efficacy and safety of gabapentin. This has resulted in variable state regulations regarding gabapentin. Enhanced clinical knowledge, which promotes safe prescribing, improves patient monitoring, prevents adverse outcomes, and supports regulatory compliance, is crucial for optimizing therapeutic benefits and minimizing risks.
Identify the FDA-approved uses of gabapentin
Describe clinical outcomes of gabapentin treatment
Describe gabapentin side effects
Identify the use of drug tapering to discontinue gabapentin
Course Syllabus
- Introduction
- History of Gabapentin
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Other Drugs Commonly Used to Treat Similar Pain
- Labeled and Off-label Uses for Gabapentin
- Labeled Uses
- Off-Label Uses
- Administration and Dosage
- Formulations and Strengths
- Significant Warnings/Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Drug Interactions
- Specific Populations
- Lookalike/Soundalike Concerns
- Storage and Handling
- Postmarketing Clinical Studies
- Postherpetic Neuralgia
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Mood Disorders/Depression/Anxiety
- Dystonias in Children
- Gabapentin Misuse
- Gabapentin Overdose
- Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose
- Risks Associated with Prescribing Gabapentin with Opioids
- Overdose Treatment
- Withdrawal from Gabapentin
- Case Study: Gabapentin Withdrawal
- Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Sandra Rogers, MD, Kristina (Tia) Neu, Ashley Walsh, PharmD, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. None of the faculty members has a conflict of interest or financial relationship related to the subject matter of this activity. There are no financial relationships or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose by RxCe.com or any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature, and it is designed solely to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant's professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals must consult their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization for guidelines, protocols, and procedures to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures, but is for academic purposes only, and this course's limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses is constantly changing. Any person taking this course understands that such a person must make an independent review of medication information before any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only, and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacist, Pharmacy Tech
- Secondary Audiences: This educational activity is also for other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, or others who may be part of a healthcare team and may be interested in this educational topic. A healthcare team approach to patient care may be discussed in this activity, as applicable. No state board or professional organization has evaluated this activity to determine whether it meets the continuing education requirements of nurses, physicians, or other professions not listed under the “Target Audience” described above. Always verify with individual employers or supervisors whether they will accept this educational activity upon completion.
- Contact Hours: 2.00 (0.20 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 1/26/2026
- Activity Expiration Date: 1/26/2029
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: JA4008424-0000-26-008-H08-P
- Topic: Pain Management/Opioids
- UAN Number: (Techs): JA4008424-0000-26-008-H08-T
- CeBroker Number: 20-1352820
Faculty:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
RxCe.com, LLC, offers pharmacy technician continuing education courses for PTCB recertification. Pharmacy technician courses are indicated both in the Target Audience description and the ACPE UAN which will end with a "T".