Gabapentin
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is used in the
treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy/seizures. It is the first-line drug
for the effective treatment of neuropathic pain which is often caused due to
central pain, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin is sometimes given together with other drugs in order to treat partial seizures in adults and children who are above the age of 3 years. It is also known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.
What is Gabapentin used for?
Gabapentin oral capsule works effectively in treating the following conditions:
- Seizures
Gabapentin helps in treating partial (focal) seizures. The doctors recommend this drug together with other seizure medicines in adults and in children above the age of 3 years who are suffering from epilepsy.
- Postherpetic neuralgia
It is a painful rash that mainly affects adults. In this, you suffer from nerve damage pain caused by shingles. After infection with the varicella-zoster virus, shingles occur. However, this virus generally occurs in people who have already suffered from chickenpox.
Gabapentin might be recommended by the doctor as part of combination therapy. As a result, you might take it with other medicines.
It is important to take the medicine under the supervision of the doctor to get quick relief and avoid any serious side effects.
What does Gabapentin do?
Gabapentin belongs to a
class of medications known as antiepileptic. Although, it is still not
understood how does this medicine works but when given for treating epilepsy,
Gabapentin starts working by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in
your brain. This further helps in avoiding seizures.
The medication is also used for treating nerve pain where it blocks the pain by interfering with pain signals that travel through the damaged nerves and your brain.
What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?
Gabapentin oral medication can cause mild or serious side effects. Although, several people taking this pill, do not come across any serious side effects. It is important to consume the medicine as prescribed by the doctor to avoid making your condition worse.
Common side effects
Some of the common side
effects that you can experience while taking this pill include:
- Viral infection
- Fever
- Jerky movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hostility
- Trouble speaking
In case, these side effects are mild then they will go within a few days or a week as your body adjusts to the medicine. But you need to contact your doctor immediately if these common side effects persist.
Serious side effects
If you start suffering
from serious side effects then call your doctor and get emergency medical help.
Although, serious side effects of Gabapentin are rare, but can occur.
Immediately give a call on 911, if you start experiencing a medical
emergency.
Some of the serious side
effects of Gabapentin capsules include:
- Thoughts of suicide or dying
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Emotional changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Skin rashes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Unexpected muscle pain
- Aggressiveness
What drugs should not be taken with Gabapentin?
Gabapentin oral capsule
might interact with some other medicines. The interaction with other drugs can
make you suffer from side effects.
Before starting the
consumption of Gabapentin, make sure to inform the doctor about all the
medications you are taking like prescription, over the counter, and other drugs. Also, inform the doctor about
supplements, vitamins, and herbs, you are taking.
Some of the drugs that
interact with Gabapentin capsule
include:
Opioids like Morphine,
Hydrocodone & Oxycodone
Stomach acid medications like Aluminum hydroxide & Magnesium hydroxide
What happens if you stop taking gabapentin?
In case, you suddenly stop
the intake of Gabapentin capsules,
you might start experiencing Gabapentin
withdrawal symptoms like sweating,
anxiety, nausea, difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep, and pain.
If, you are taking Gabapentin for treating seizures and stop taking it suddenly then you might suffer from seizures frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions for Gabapentin