Gabapentin by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Gabapentin affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. The exact way that it works is unknown.
Gabapentin is used with other drugs in the treatment of some types of seizures and for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by the herpes virus or shingles).
Gabapentin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Gabapentin questions
Q. I began to take gabapentin (Neurontin) for nerve pain due to scarring, 300 mg at bedtime, prescribed by my dermatologist. I researched it and discovered its other uses - as an anticonvulsive (I have seizures due to brain trauma), mood stabilizer and migraine treatment. Besides relieving the scar pain, it has greatly lessened the degree and frequency of my seizures (other drugs had too awful side effects), I've had fewer and less severe migraines, and I sleep much better, with fewer night terrors, nightmares and sleep-walking and -talking that accompany PTSD - all this without any noticeable side effects at all, without making me feel sedated, which is great because I'm athletic and very active, and in terrific health. So of course my mood is much improved - I figured that something that works so well for me must be something my body needs. I found that gabapentin is not metabolized by the liver, and mimics the structure of GABA but doesn't act on the same receptors, and it inhibits the reuptake of GABA in the brain. I'd rather take something over-the- counter than prescribed if the result is the same, but since GABA can't cross the blood-brain barrier, can it have the same effects as gabapentin, which apparently can cross that barrier?
   A. At this time we are not aware of a natural herb or amino acid or supplement that mimics gabapentin. If we come across such a product we will mention it.