What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is anticonvulsant medication which helps in controlling seizures in people with epilepsy. It can also be used to treat the restless legs syndrome or various types of nerve pain. Gabapentin includes some of the brand names- Horizant, Gralise and Neurontin. These are available in different forms capsules, tablets and in liquid form.
Gabapentin Uses
Gabapentin tablets are used to treat the following conditions:
- Release the Pain of Postherpetic Neuralgia (Stabbing pain or aches)
- Treat restless legs syndrome (Discomfort in the legs)
- Seizures- Gabapentin are used in treating focal seizures. These are used with other seizure medications in adults who have epilepsy.
- Postherpetic neuralgia- The pain from nerve damage that is caused by shingles, a painful rush which affects adults.
- Gabapentin can be taken by children and adults for treating epilepsy.
Gabapentin Side Effects
Common Gabapentin side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Water retention
- Problem in Walking
Serious Gabapentin side effects are:
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Disease
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Blurry vision
- Bruising
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Flu
If the children’s are facing these serious problems take them to hospitals immediately
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Behavioral problems
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of concentration
In any case, due to Gabapentin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority Of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Gabapentin side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Gabapentin to tell your doctor if you’re having allergic to any kind of medications. Inform your doctor about the vitamins, nutritional supplements or any kind of herbal products that you are taking. Mention your doctor if you’re taking antidepressants, antihistamines, medicines for anxiety, medications that can cause you mental illness.
Inform your doctor if you have these problems:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Heartbeat Disorder
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
How to get rid of side effects?
- Feeling Sleepy or Dizzy: Regular taking of Gabapentin can cause you to fall asleep. Reach to your doctor and try to decrease the dosage of Gabapentin.
- Nausea: Try to take Gabapentin with or after a meal. Avoid eating spicy foods.
- Dry mouth: Chew sugar-free gums for avoiding dry mouth.
- Headaches: If you’re facing severe headaches drink enough water. Avoid the consumption of alcohol. Talk to doctor if you’re facing some serious problems.
How to take the dosage of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin dosage should be taken as per the prescriptions. This comes in the form of capsule, tablet and liquid. The Gabapentin tablets should be taken with full glass of water three times a day.
If you are taking Gabapentin syrup shake it well before use. Use a dosing spoon or measuring cup for taking the correct amount of Gabapentin. Always rinse the measuring device in water before and after its use.
Forms of Gabapentin
Gabapentin comes in different forms
- Gabapentin (Capsule) – 100mg, 300mg and 400mg
Dosage for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
- Adult dosage: Starting Dosage- Day 1- 300mg, Day 2- 600mg (two times a day), Day 3- 900mg (three times a day)
- Maximum dosage: 1800mg per day i.e. 600mg three times a day
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Gabapentin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Gabapentin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Gabapentin Warnings
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Hypersensitivity
- Allergy
People with serious health conditions:
People with Epilepsy
Don’t stop the usage of gabapentin suddenly. It can increase the risk of status epilepticus. These can cause some medical emergencies which occur for 30mins or more.
Pregnant women
Gabapentin is not evaluated for pregnant women. If a woman is using the drug during her pregnancy there is no such high risk of pregnancy loss, birth defects or any other problems. But to be on the safe side consult your Doctor before taking the medicine.
Breastfeeding
Gabapentin passes into the breast milk. It can cause some side effects to child’s who are breastfed. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and rash. Before taking Gabapentin while breastfeeding consult your doctor.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Gabapentin consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Gabapentin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Gabapentin.
Gabapentin Vs Lyrica
Gabapentin |
Lyrica |
---|---|
Gabapentin are anticonvulsant medication which helps in controlling seizures in people with epilepsy. | Lyrica is a medication that is chemical related with Gralise. |
Gabapentin is used to treat seizure disorders and nerve damages | Uses of Lyrica are diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Spinal code injury, Fibromyalgia |
Side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting | Side effects are constipation, increased appetite and disorientation. |