Seniors and gabapentin
Older patients eliminate gabapentin more slowly than younger adults and they are often more susceptible to side effects. Therefore, lower initial doses, slower titration, and lower maintenance doses are advised.
Some common side effects of gabapentin, such as ataxia, may exacerbate pre-existing problems of seniors, putting them at greater risk of injury from falls.
Because gabapentin generally does not interact with other medications, it can be a good choice for patients (such as many elderly people with epilepsy) who also are being treated for other disorders.
