--certainly has a different mode of action than Lyrica and Neurontin, much more in keeping with other drugs in the anti-epileptic class. For one thing, it is metabolized by the liver, like most drugs, not the kindneys, as are Lyrica and Neurontin--in fact, it was engineered from carbamazepine with some subtle chemical changes to make it easier to metabolize in the liver and keep the side effect profile down compared to carbamazepine, although the side effect profile is not unfamilar to those who use anti-seizure drugs (central nervous system downregulation leading to dizziness, drowsiness, etc.). Increased sun sensitivity has also been noted--again, not uncommon in that drug class.

Alan is a big guy, so the dose seems reasonable--all I can say is if he takes one, keep a close watch on him, and make him report what he's experiencing over the hours.