Gabapentin
Uses
Gabapentin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy which causes seizures.
How it Works
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication which is also called an anticonvulsant. Gabapentin is used to control the symptoms of seizures and work by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Common Side effects
Some of the potential side effects of Gabapentin can include the symptoms below; Sleepiness, Dizziness, Anxiety, Depression, Uncoordinated body movement, Fatigue.
Introduction
Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called anti-epileptics. It is used to control postherpetic pain and for the treatment of partial onset seizures and epilepsy.
Use
Gabapentin is a prescribed drug for the pain caused by shingles (a skin rash caused by the herpes virus). It is also used to control the onset of seizures and epileptic episodes in adults and children of more than 3 years of age. It also helps control the neural pain experienced in trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and restless leg syndrome. This drug is structurally related to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), however, the exact mechanism by which this works is unknown.
Dosage and administration
It is available as tablets or capsules that are to be taken orally, in the strengths of 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg. For postherpetic neural pain: The dose is 300 mg on the first day, 600 mg (300 mg tablets taken twice a day) on the second day, an 900 mg (300 mg tablets taken three times a day) on the third day. After that, depending on the dose required for relieving the pain, the dose can be gradually adjusted up to 1800 mg a day. Doses from 1800-3600 mg have been proven to be safe. For epileptic patients, 12 years of age and above: The initial dose is 300 mg that is to be taken three times a day. The maintenance dose is 300-600 mg that is to be taken three times a day. For pediatric patients with epilepsy: The initial dose is 10-15 mg/kg body weight/day that is to be given in three divided doses. The maintenance dose is 40 mg/kg body weight/day that is to be given in three divided doses for patients of 3-4 years of age and 25-35 mg/kg body weight/day that is to be given in three divided doses for other patients.
Warning
Any allergy to the drug, or any history of mood swings must be informed to the doctor. If you are going for any surgical or dental treatment, inform the doctor about being on this drug regimen.This drug leads to drowsiness hence avoid driving or operating machinery which requires you to be alert.Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine as this may lead to sudden onset of seizures, which may be difficult to manage.This drug is associated with mood swings, depression, and suicidal tendency hence the patients must be monitored closely to notice any changes in their behavior.In case of any serious side effects such as seizures, suicide attempts, anaphylactic reactions, feeling short of breath or pain and discomfort in the chest, etc., discontinue the use of this medicine and seek medical care immediately.
Side effects
DrowsinessAtaxiaDifficulty in coordinating and balancingAbnormal behaviorPeripheral edema and weight gainDiarrheaNauseaDry mouth