Do you often have seizures until the body becomes stiff and falls to the floor, is it a sign of epilepsy? to overcome these symptoms you should take medication. Gabapentin is used as a drug to address the symptoms of epilepsy. What is Gabapentin Prescribed For: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects? learn more about it.
What is gabapentin?
Table of Contents
Gabapentin is a drug to relieve seizures in people with epilepsy. The medication is available in pill form and should only be bought with a physician’s prescription.
Gabapentin is a sort of anticonvulsant or anti-inflammatory medication. The drug works by affecting nerve and chemical compounds in the body that cause seizures and pain. Please note, gabapentin cannot cure epilepsy, but only controls seizures during regular consumption.
Gabapentin Description
Group
- Therapy class : Anticonvulsants
- Classification of drugs: Antiepileptic
Drug category:
- Prescription drugs
Dosage form of the drug:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Syrup
Consumed by:
- Adult
- children
Categories of pregnancy and lactation
- Category C: There has been no controlled research, but there are side effects that may interfere with fetal development and growth.
Dosage of the drug
- Each person’s dosage varies. Be sure to always consult a doctor before using or taking medication.
In what dosages is Gabapentin available?
Gabapentin is available in the following dosages.
Capsules, Oral: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Oral: 300 mg, 600 mg
Solution, Oral: 250 mg/5 mL (5 mL, 6 mL, 470 mL, 473 mL)
Tablets, Oral: 300 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg
Warning Before Taking Gabapentin:
- Don’t use gabapentin for those who have an allergy to the ingredients within this drug.
- Before using gabapentin, tell your doctor a history of diseases you have suffered from, especially kidney disease, mental disorders, respiratory disorders, as well as alcohol abuse, and drugs.
- If you are an epileptic person taking gabapentin, check with your doctor during the use of this drug, especially in the first few months, so that the doctor can monitor the development of your condition.
- Gabapentin can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive doing activities that require vigilance after taking this drug.
- If you want to take drugs containing aluminum or magnesium, such as antacids, give a minimum distance of 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning a pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor before taking gabapentin.
- If you experience an allergic reaction or overdose after taking this drug, see a doctor immediately.
How does gabapentin work for pain
The mechanism of action of gabapentin is to increase the activity of, glutamic acid decarboxylase. This GABA agonist also regulates the flow of calcium in cells thus lowering the firing of the transmission cell and inhibiting the release of glutamate.
What is gabapentin prescribed for Uses, Dosage, and Side effects
The uses of Gabapentin are to treat:
- Postherpetic neuralgia: This is the pain of nerve damage caused by shingles, a painful rash often attacks in adults. Shingles disease appears after being infected with varicella-zoster virus. The virus occurs in people who have suffered from chickenpox.
- Seizures: Gabapentin can be employed in treating esophageal disorders. It is taken along with other seizure drugs in adults and children aged 3 years and above who suffer from epilepsy.
Gabapentin can be used as part of combined therapy, which means you may need to take it with other medications.
Gabapentin Dosage and Usage Rules
Gabapentin Dosage for Adults
Gabapentin Dosage for Epilepsy:
- First dose: 300 mg orally on the first day, 300 mg orally two times per day on the next day, then 300 mg orally 3 times per day on the next day. The dose can be increased by 300 mg until antiepileptic control is achieved.
- Maintenance dose: 900 up to 3600 mg orally in 3 divided doses.
- Maximum dose: 4800 mg in a day
Gabapentin dosage for shingles pain
- Modified-release
- First dose: 600 mg per day for 3 days, then increased to 600 mg, two times each day.
Gabapentin Dosage for Restless Legs Syndrome
- Modified-release
- 600 mg orally once a day with food around 5 p.m.
Gabapentin Dosage for Neuropathic Pain
- First dose: 300 mg orally on the first day, 300 mg orally two times per day on the next day, then 300 mg orally 3 times per day on the next day.
- Maintenance dose: 900 mg orally in 3 divided doses.
- Maximum dose: 3600 mg in a day.
Gabapentin Dosage for Children
Dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.
Side effects of the drug
Side effects do not necessarily occur in any use of the drug. But, seek medical aid immediately in the event of serious unwanted effects.
Side effects that may occur due to gabapentin use include:
Gain weight
Gabapentin can make you more hungry, making it quite difficult to maintain weight. Try eating a healthy and balanced diet without increasing the portion of your food. Do not consume foods that contain a lot of calories, such as chips, cakes, biscuits, and sweets.
If you feel hungry between meals, try eating low-calorie fruits, vegetables, and foods. Regular exercise may also help keep your weight steady.
Headaches
Make sure you take a break. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol. Ask the pharmacist to recommend painkillers. Headaches will usually disappear after the first week of gabapentin. Talk to your doctor if it lasts more than a week or gets worse.
Blurred vision
Avoid driving or using tools and machines. If the side effects persist for more than a day, talk to your doctor as your treatment may need to be changed.
Dry mouth
Try chewing gum or sucking sugar-free candies.
Drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness
These side effects will usually disappear when your body is already familiar with gabapentin. If the side effects do not disappear within 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor may reduce your dosage or increase the dosage slowly. If that does not work, you need to switch to another drug.
Vomiting and diarrhea
Try drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Drink a little if you feel nauseous. Dehydration is characterized by less urine than usual and a sharp smell. Do not take any other medications to treat diarrhea or vomiting without consulting a pharmacist or doctor.
Nausea
Try consuming gabapentin with or after meals and do not consume heavy or spicy foods.
Mood swings
If taking gabapentin can change your mood, contact a doctor. You may be able to turn to alternative medicine.
Swollen arms and legs
Try sitting with your legs raised and don’t stand for long. Exercising lightly can help relieve these side effects. Speak with your health care provider if the condition doesn’t improve.
Erection difficulties
If these side effects occur, contact a doctor immediately. You may be able to change medications or undergo other treatments to help resolve this problem.
Memory impairment
If you have problems with memory, talk to your doctor.
Gabapentin Side Effects in Women
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, weakness
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Breast augmentation
- Dry mouth or
- Loss of balance or coordination
Also understand: Gabapentin Side Effects in Women Hair Loss, Elderly and Sexual
Special Attention
Tell your doctor about your previous history of the disease. Careful use of gabapentin under the conditions:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Renal failure
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Impaired respiratory function
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Liver disease
- Children under 18 years old
- Elderly
- Drug-addicted patients
- Avoid abrupt termination
- Opioid co-use
When is it necessary to discontinue use and contact a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Weak or short breathing
- Blue skin, lips, fingers, and toes
- Confusion and extreme drowsiness or weakness
- Problems with muscle balance or movement
- Unusual or accidental eye movements
- Increased seizures
Interaction of Gabapentin with Other Drugs
The use of gabapentin along with other drugs can cause interaction effects. The medicines in question are:
- Opioid painkillers, such as morphine. The result is a higher chance of central nervous system depression, like nausea and respiratory system ailments.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. The effect is to decrease the absorption of gabapentin.
- The effect is to lower the disposal of gabapentin from the kidneys.
How to Store Gabapentin
The Medication is best Kept at room temperature, so Stay away from direct light and Moist places. Do not store in the bathroom. Don’t freeze. Other producers of the drug may have distinct storage fundamentals.
Look closely at the storage directions on the product packaging or consult your pharmacist. Keep all drugs out of range of children and pets.
Don’t flush the medications into the bathroom or the sewage unless educated. Eliminate this item when the validity period has died or if it is no longer desirable. Consult with a pharmacist or local waste disposal firm on the best way best to safely eliminate your merchandise.
