Final answer:
Chronic use of gabapentin must be tapered to reduce withdrawal symptoms that can occur due to physical dependence on the medication. Tapering helps manage pharmacokinetics and ensures a gradual decrease of medication levels, preventing rebound effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic use of gabapentin must be tapered rather than abruptly stopped primarily to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin, when taken over a long period, can lead to physical dependence. Abrupt cessation can result in a series of adverse reactions, much like those seen with benzodiazepines, due to similar pharmacokinetic properties. Gabapentin withdrawal can include symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating. Tapering allows for a smoother transition and the gradual decrease of the medication in the body, reducing the likelihood of a rebound of the original symptoms it was prescribed to treat, such as neuropathic pain or seizures.
Quantification of plasma levels of gabapentin after administration of gabapentin enacarbil helps understand its pharmacokinetics and tolerability. This knowledge informs proper tapering schedules and can lead to optimized dosing regimens for patients with varying degrees of renal function. The extended-release formulation of gabapentin enacarbil is designed for a prolonged effect, and sudden discontinuation can disrupt the medication's control over symptoms, potentially leading to rebound effects.