Gabapentin

Uses	Neuropathic Pain, Seizures
Therapy	Anti-Epileptic, Drugs For Peripheral Neuropathy
Side Effects	Dizziness, Sleepiness, Nausea, Visual Disturbance

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Molecule Description

Gabapentin is a medication classified as an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure medicine) and a neuropathic pain agent. It is an analog of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It is commonly used to help manage seizures (or "fits") in people with epilepsy and soothe long-term nerve pain, which often feels like burning or tingling. It works by reducing the amount of strong, excited signals that jump between your nerve cells, which helps to quiet the overactive electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures and changes the intense pain messages sent by damaged nerves. Your doctor will carefully decide the right dose for you, and it is important to take it exactly as prescribed, without suddenly stopping, to keep your symptoms under control.

Uses

Gabapentin is the first line of treatment for neurogenic pain (e.g. the nerve pain that comes up after having herpes which can last for months)
It is also used in seizures, nerve disorder associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), migraine and anxiety disorders

Contraindications

When should one not use Gabapentin

If you are allergic to Gabapentin.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Viral infection
Fever, tiredness
Confusion, mood changes
Blurred vision, double vision
Vertigo
Respiratory infections, urinary tract infection
Increased appetite
High blood pressure, flushing or dilation of blood vessels
Difficulty breathing, sore throat, cough, dry nose
Vomiting, nausea, inflammation of gums, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation
Facial swelling, bruises, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, twitching
Difficulties with erection (impotence)
Swelling in the legs and arms, difficulty while walking

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Gabapentin capsules should not be taken during pregnancy unless advised by your physician. Use contraception if you are a woman of child-bearing potential. Medicines for epilepsy should not be discontinued abruptly as there is a risk of fits which can be harmful to the baby. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Since the effect on the baby is unknown, it is not recommended to breastfeed while using Gabapentin capsules.

Driving

Caution is advised as Gabapentin can cause dizziness or tiredness. Avoid driving if you experience these.

Alcohol

It is not recommended with alcohol as it increases the risk of side effects like drowsiness and difficulty in concentrating.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), epilepsy or other seizure disorder
If you have diabetes, liver disease or a heart disease
Mental symptoms and history should be specifically shared: a history of depression, mood disorder, drug abuse or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some people have suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine. Your family members or other close relatives should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms
Consult with your doctor in case you see mood changes while on this medication
Some patients get addicted to the use of Gabapentin which then becomes drug abuse
Beware of self-medication and do not extend the treatment beyond the duration required
Stick to your prescribed dose and beware of overdose

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that cause seizures (convulsions) and some types of nerve pain.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Gabapentin may interact with medicines like Levothyroxine, Ascorbic Acid, Alprazolam, Atorvastatin and Furosemide.

Interactions with food items

If you are on treatment with Gabapentin avoid fish oil as it increases the side effects of it.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are double vision, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, drowsiness and diarrhea. Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some people see improvement in their symptoms about a week after starting treatment. Others need about a month before they see significant improvements.

Gabapentin has only been approved for use in adolescents above the age of 12.

Yes. Like other anti-seizure medicines, Gabapentin can rarely increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or changes in mood or behavior. If you feel depressed, agitated, or notice any sudden changes in mood, contact your doctor immediately.

Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything else that requires full mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you. Also, if you take antacids, take them at least two hours before or after your Gabapentin dose as directed by your physician.

The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness (sleepiness), fatigue, and difficulty with balance or coordination. These side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. Some people may also notice swelling in their hands and feet, or weight gain.

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