Active ingredient | Gabapentin |
---|---|
Drug Class | Anticonvulsants |
Working | Works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain |
Kicks In | 1-3 hours |
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is a prescription drug that is taken with other medicines to treat epilepsy and impaired seizures. It is also helpful in relieving nerve pain (used as first-line treatment) followed by shingles (a painful rash caused due to Varicella zoster virus) in adults. Gabapentin significantly reduces anxiety levels. It is marketed with the brand name ‘Neurontin’ as oral capsules. In some cases, Gabapentin may help with controlling withdrawal symptoms of alcohol. Gabapentin is also effective in alleviating itching in kidney failure.
How does Gabapentin work?
When taken for epilepsy, it reduces the unusual electrical activities in the brain, thus helps with minimizing seizures (due to low levels of calcium). So, it acts as a calcium channel blocker. It also has an impact on the functioning of neurotransmitters, which send messages between nerve cells. In case of nerve pain, gabapentin interferes with pain signals occurring in the damaged nerves and the brain itself.
Dosage
Before taking this drug, one should read medication guide given by the pharmacist or as given by the doctor. Taken orally, with or without having food as prescribed by your doctor. Dosage can vary with one’s medical condition, receptivity to treatments or for children based on their weight. Consume the capsule with sufficient water.
- Day 1: One 300 mg dose
- Day 2: 600 mg/day (two times a day)
- Day 3: 900 mg/day (three times a day)
This increase in dose is helpful for your body to adjust to the medication properly.
This drug is effective only if the amount in one’s body is at optimum level. So, for seizures to be controlled, even spacing between the dosage is mandatory or your seizures may happen abruptly. Also, do not increase or decrease the dosage on your own or your condition may not improve.
Do not take different variations of gabapentin as they are absorbed in the body in different ways. Antacids may obstruct with the drug’s absorption. So, if you are taking an antacid be careful not to take gabapentin after it immediately.
Side Effects
In case of any allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty in breathing, systemic hypersensitivity reactions, Postherpetic neuralgia: Dizziness, and peripheral edema), seek for medical help immediately. Suicidal behaviour have been appeared in patients treated with anti-epileptic agents in several studies. In some cases, acute pancreatitis under therapy with gabapentin is also observed.
Start of new forms of seizures with gabapentin is also found in some cases. Primary generalized seizures are not generally treated with gabapentin as it may aggravate. Gabapentin can have some sort of effects on the ability to drive and work on machines. So, dizziness is noticed occasionally in people working with any sort of machines.
Some serious side effects can include:
- suicidal attempts
- anxiety getting worse
- restlessness
- panic attacks
- troubled sleep
- aggressive or violent behavior
- unusual mood swings
Serious allergic reactions include:
- exanthem
- hives
- fever
- lymphadenopathy
- jaundice
- unusual hemorrhage
- severe tiredness
- unexpected myalgia
Some common side effects found in children:
- hypomnesia;
- concentration troubles;
- acting pugnacious.
Warnings
Remember to keep this drug out of the reach of children. Use this drug only as prescribed by your doctor and not on your own.
Tablets once broken and not used within 28 days, should not be taken.
Antiepileptic drugs should not be hastily discontinued because of the chance of increasing seizure frequency.
Lower doses are suggested to those with kidney disease related with a moderate kidney function.
Withdrawal symptoms may appear within 12 hours to 7 days after putting an end to gabapentin.
During Pregnancy:
Direct or indirect harmful anomalies in the human fetus have been noticed. Close monitoring of the baby for a few days after birth may be advised if you’re taking gabapentin regularly during pregnancy or weeks before delivery.
Interactions
Gabapentin can interact with several other medicines and cause various abnormal effects. So, it is advised to inform your doctor beforehand about all your prescription and non-prescription drugs or any sort of supplements you are taking.
Some stomach acid drugs reduce the amount of gabapentin in your body making it less effective. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on medication with gabapentin. Driving, using machinery must be prohibited since the administration of gabapentin may result in dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.
Serious interactions:
- hydrocodone
- valerian
Moderate Interactions:
- aluminum hydroxide
- calcium carbonate
- clobazam
- lurasidone
- morphine
- orlistat
- sevelamer
- sodium bicarbonate
- sodium citrate/citric acid
Storage Instructions
Gabapentin 300mg tablets should be stored safely at room temperature in their original packaging.
- Store Gabapentin 300mg tablets and Capsules at 25°C.
- Keep the pills away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
- If the pack has expired, do not consume the pills.
- Excursions allowed between 15°C to 30°C.
- Remember to keep this drug out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Gabapentin 300mg used for?
Gabapentin is a prescription drug which is taken with other medicines to treat epilepsy and impaired seizures. It is also helpful in relieving nerve pain followed by shingles in adults.
Can Gabapentin 300mg tablets be split?
You can break the Gabapentin 300mg tablets into two pieces. Tablets once broken and not used within 28 days, should not be taken.
Can Gabapentin 300mg be taken daily?
You can take it three times a day using 300 mg tablets. The period between doses should not exceed 12 hours.
How does Gabapentin 300mg feel?
You can observe that your pain starts to ameliorate over one to two weeks after starting gabapentin, but it can take longer in some people.
Is it safe to take Gabapentin 300mg?
Tolerable dose is between 900 to 3600 mg per day. Higher doses may produce some adverse effects which can fail the treatment.
What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?
Most common side effects include: dizziness, sleepiness, water retention (swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet), problems walking.
Is gabapentin considered a painkiller?
Ans. Gabapentin belongs to drug class, Gabapentinoids, which is a prescriptive painkiller. It is helpful in relieving nerve pain.
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