Mechanism of Action — How Gabapentin Silences Nerve Pain
Despite its name, Gabapentin does not work by binding to GABA receptors. Its mechanism is much more targeted toward the "electrical gates" of the nervous system.
The Calcium Channel Connection:
Gabapentin binds specifically to the alpha-2-delta ($\alpha2\delta$) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system.
When nerves are overactive (as in chronic pain or epilepsy), these calcium channels open too frequently.
Gabapentin binds to the gate, reducing the influx of calcium into the nerve cell.
This reduction in calcium prevents the nerve from releasing "excitatory" neurotransmitters like glutamate.
The result is a "dampening" effect on the nervous system, which stops the propagation of pain signals and prevents seizure activity.