GabapentinDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Horses.

Gabapentinoid anticonvulsant/analgesic; modulates calcium channels to reduce neuropathic pain and anxiety. Gabapentin is used as an anticonvulsant, sedative, anxiolytic, and to treat chronic pain syndromes, including neuropathic pain. It is used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids. However, studies demonstrating efficacy for pain treatment in dogs and cats are currently lacking. It was not effective for postoperative pain in dogs

Gabapentin is used as both an anticonvulsant and analgesic. Gabapentin is an analogue of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); however, it is not an agonist or antagonist for the GABA receptor.

No known contraindications in animals. However, because this is only licensed as a human drug, the full extent of adverse effects and precautions in animals is not known. Any discontinuation of this medication should be done with a gradual taper, rather than a sudden withdrawal.

Sedation and ataxia are reported adverse effects. As dose increases in dogs (see the dosing section), sedation is more likely. In people, a withdrawal syndrome from abrupt discontinuation has been described, but it is not reported in animals. However, based on this concern in people, gradual withdrawal should be considered. When high doses are administered (see the dosing section), adverse effects include ataxia, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

No specific monitoring is necessary. If plasma/serum drug concentrations are monitored, the targeted trough concentration is 2 mcg/mL in dogs.