Gabapentin (brand name: Neurontin®) was initially synthesized to mimic the structure of GABA for the treatment of epilepsy. Nowadays, gabapentin has been widely used as a medication to relieve pain, especially neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is well tolerated in most patients, has a relatively mild side-effect profile, and passes through the body unmetabolized.

Gabapentin is similar in structure to the neurotransmitter GABA but is not believed to act on the same brain receptors. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but its therapeutic action on neuropathic pain is thought to involve voltage-gated calcium ion channels. It is thought to bind to the α2δ subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel in the central nervous system.

So he is taking the same med as me. I thought so. If he is experiencing pain, the doctor should up the dose every week until it's relieved. As I said, it can go as high as 3600mg per day. Tell him not to put up with the pain. There are some side effects from this med. Weight gain is one because of increased appetite. Also this med makes me drowsy. There are other rare side effects but I'm not experiencing any of them. That's about it.