Which medication is used to treat nerve pain and seizures and may be misused for calming effects?

• A. Gabapentin
• B. Harm reduction
• C. Lapse
• D. Intervention

Answer: (A)

This item tests knowledge of a medication that treats nerve pain and seizures and can be misused for calming effects. Gabapentin fits this description. It’s prescribed for neuropathic pain (such as diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia) and is also used as an anticonvulsant for certain seizure types. Mechanistically, it’s a gabapentinoid that binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and helps dampen overactive nerve signaling.

Because of its sedating effects and the way some people use it to feel calmer or occasionally experience mild euphoria, gabapentin has potential for misuse and can be sought after by individuals with substance use concerns. That’s why clinicians are cautious, monitor usage, and consider risk factors when prescribing or supervising its use.

The other options aren’t medications that treat nerve pain and seizures, nor do they have the same profile of use and misuse potential, so they don’t fit this scenario.