Gabapentin medication is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, epilepsy, and partial seizures. Clinical trials in diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia have shown that Gabapentin at a dose of 2400-3600 mg/day has the same efficacy as tricyclic antidepressants and Carbamazepine. It is prescribed for neuropathic cancer pain. For HIV-related pain, chronic back pain, and shingles.
Gabapentin belongs to a group of drugs used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (chronic pain caused by nerve damage). A wide range of conditions can cause peripheral neuropathic pain (mostly in the legs and arms), such as diabetes or herpes.
Gabapentin 300mg is used as monotherapy in the treatment of partial seizures or without secondary generalization in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
The medication is prescribed for the treatment of seizures and nerve pain that are related to shingles. Gabapentin medication also has an anti-anxiolytic (antianxiety) effect, so the drug is often used to treat anxiety.
If the drug is combined with alcohol, the following side effects may increase markedly: deafening, ataxia and blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, memory problems, and dizziness. In addition, the effectiveness of the drug itself is decreased when exposed to alcohol.
Gabapentin medicine is prescribed for the treatment of primary insomnia. The drug improves the quality and efficiency of sleep and reduces spontaneous agitation.
Gabapentin may cause weight gain, but this is a rare side effect. Some patients who have taken Gabapentin tablets (for the treatment of epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia) have seen weight gain. Patients who tended to gain weight while taking the medication gained an average of up to 5 pounds after 6 weeks.
Gabapentin is effective for neuropathic back pain caused by a herniated disc and subsequent sciatica, as well as spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication that is prescribed to treat nerve pain and seizures. However, the drug can have potentially harmful effects when combined with other opioids. That is why Gabapentin medicine is listed as a controlled substance.
You should take this medication strictly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any doubts about taking the drug, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist – they will determine the appropriate dose.
The recommended dosage for epilepsy and neuropathic pain:
Adults and adolescents
Your doctor usually increases the dose gradually. The recommended starting dose of the drug is 300 to 900 mg per day. It can be increased to a maximum dosage of 3,600 mg per day. The daily dosage is divided into 3 times of taking: in the morning, during the day, and in the evening.
Children aged 12 years and older
The dose for the child is set by the doctor, based on the weight of the patient. Treatment begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over 3 days. Typically, the initial maintenance dose of the drug in epilepsy is 25-35 mg/kg body weight per day. The dose is divided into 3 doses: in morning, afternoon, and evening.
The attending physician may prescribe a different dosing regimen if the patient has kidney problems or if he is on hemodialysis.
Gabapentin is intended for oral use. The capsules should be swallowed whole and washed down with enough water. Continue taking Gabapentin tablets until your doctor cancels treatment.
If you have a nervous system or respiratory disease, or if you are over 65 years of age, you may be prescribed a different dose than what is listed in the instructions.
What to do if you forget to take Gabapentin tablets:
Take the next dose of the medicine as soon as you remember.
If it is time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose.
Do not take a double dose of Gabapentin to make up for a missed tablet.
Gabapentin medicine should not be discontinued unless the doctor has canceled the treatment. Treatment should be stopped gradually over a period of 1 week. Abrupt discontinuation of Gabapentin may increase the risk of seizures.
Among the most common possible side effects are:
Excessive Drowsiness And Dizziness;
Headaches;
Tremors;
Nausea And Vomiting;
Weight Gain;
Visual Disturbances (Double Vision Or Blurred Vision);
Nervousness And Irritability;
Upset Stomach;
Memory Impairment;
Depression And Suicidal Thoughts;
Dry Mucous Membranes;
Skin Rashes;
Impaired Potency And Decreased Libido;
Emotional Lability.
The use of the drug is often accompanied by various kinds of pain in the bones, muscles, back, abdomen, and extremities. There may also be swelling, skin rashes, coordination disorders, and allergic reactions.
In the complex therapy is prescribed for severe chronic hiccups, itching (especially in neurodermatitis), postoperative pain, restless legs syndrome and hot flashes.
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated. Some patients may experience fatigue at the beginning of therapy, as well as dizziness and swelling of the ankles. Gabapentin is not taken in the case of:
Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient
Pregnancy
During lactation
If the patient develops acute pancreatitis during treatment with Gabapentin
Children under 12 years of age
Absences, mostly generalized seizures
Be sure to tell your doctor if you belong to the risk group. This information is for guidance only and is not intended as a basic instruction, so consult your physician before use.
Particular caution should be exercised in the following cases:
Children may experience increased aggression, emotional instability, and other undesirable psychological effects, especially with pre-existing disorders, attention, or behavior disorders. The decision whether to reduce the dose of Gabapentin or discontinue treatment depends on the prescribing physician.
Suicidal or self-harming thoughts: a few patients who have received antiepileptic drugs such as Gabapentin have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Hypersensitivity reactions: potentially serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur after taking the drug. These are manifested by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and a drop in blood pressure.
You should seek medical help immediately if you observe these symptoms.
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