Gabapentin, marketed under the brand name Neurontin, is a medication primarily used to treat seizures (epilepsy). It is also prescribed to manage nerve pain caused by conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes), and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.

Gabapentin works by binding to certain receptors in the brain, particularly those associated with electrical activity and the transmission of pain signals. By doing so, it modulates the release of several neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which play important roles in regulating brain activity.

In the context of epilepsy, gabapentin helps prevent seizures by stabilizing excessive electrical activity in the brain. For nerve pain, it is believed to reduce the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in transmitting pain signals, thereby alleviating symptoms.

It is important to note that gabapentin may have side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination difficulties. Additionally, it should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as the dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the condition being treated.