Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil)

Gabapentin Enacarbil General Information

Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil) is used for the treatment of severe restless legs syndrome. It is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move one’s legs. There is sometimes an unpleasant feeling in the legs that improves the movement.

This medication may also be used to relieve nerve pain following shingles. It is a painful rash that is caused by herpes zoster infection. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia.

How does Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil) work?

Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil) basically resembles the neurotransmitter which is the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A neurotransmitter is a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. It is possible that this similarity is related to gabapentin’s mechanism of action.

This medication is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin. It means it is first converted to gabapentin in the body before it can have its effects.

Why use Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil)?

Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil) belongs to the group of medications called anti-seizure drugs. This comes as a tablet to be administered orally. Each tablet has Gabapentin Enacarbil as an active ingredient. It is available in the strengths of 300 mg and 600 mg. This was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011.

How to use Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil)?

The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Remember to take it exactly as it is prescribed. Do not take it more than the prescription to avoid some complications.

For restless legs syndrome, it is usually taken once daily at about 5 PM with food. This dosing schedule is for people who are awake during the day and asleep during at night. Talk to your doctor about your schedule before using this.

For postherpetic neuralgia, it is to be taken by mouth usually once a day. It is to be taken with food for several days. It will increase to twice a day with food afterward.

Swallow the medicine as a whole. Do not chew or crush it. Remember to take it at the same time every day.

What are the side-effects of Horizant (Gabapentin Enacarbil)?

  • Drowsiness
  • Sleepiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision

Warnings and Precautions

  • Do not drive or do anything that requires your alertness. This drug may make you feel dizzy and make your vision blurred. Do it if you already feeling well.
  • Tell your doctor if you have medical history or allergies before taking the drug.
  • This may not be recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor first.