Gabapentin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Gabapentin?

What's Gabapentin for?

Gabapentin is a drug to prevent and control seizures. This medication is also used to relieve nerve pain due to shingles in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anti-seizure or antiepileptic drug.

Gabapentin can also be used to treat other nerve pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and restless leg syndrome.

Gabapentin dosage and side effects of gabapentin are detailed below.

What are the rules for taking Gabapentin?

Take gabapentin with or without food. The dose of this drug is based on your health condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage is also based on body weight.

If you are taking a tablet and your doctor recommends splitting it in half, use half the tablet at the next scheduled time you take your medication. Throw away half the tablet if not used within a few days of splitting. If you are using a capsule, swallow the capsule whole immediately with plenty of water.

Follow the rules given by the doctor well. During the first few days of therapy, your doctor may increase your dose gradually so that your body can adjust to the medication. To minimize side effects, use the first dose at bedtime.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. Medicines work best when the amount of medicine in your body remains at a constant level. So, use this drug at approximately the same intervals. If you are taking the drug 3 times a day to control seizures, never give it a break of more than 12 hours as the seizures may increase.

Do not use this medication more often or increase your dose without your doctor's knowledge. Your condition will not improve any sooner and the risk of side effects may increase.

Don't stop using your medication without your doctor's knowledge. Some conditions can worsen when the medicine is stopped suddenly. Your dose can be tapered off.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can interfere with aluminum absorption. So, if you are also taking an antacid, you should take Gabapentin at least 2 hours after using the antacid.

Other forms of Gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed differently by the body. Do not change the form of medication without the doctor's knowledge.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Gabapentin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Gabapentin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Gabapentin dosage for adults?

Gabapentin dosage for epilepsy:

• Initial dose: 300 mg orally on the first day, 300 mg orally 2 times a day on the second day, then 300 mg orally 3 times a day on the third day. The dose may be increased by 300 mg until antiepileptic control is achieved.
• Maintenance dose: 900-3600 mg orally in 3 divided doses.
• Maximum dose: 4800 mg daily

Gabapentin dosage for pain due to shingles

• Modified-release
• Initial dose: 600 mg in the morning for 3 days, then increased to 600 mg, 2 times a day.

Gabapentin dose for restless legs syndrome

• Modified-release
• 600 mg orally once a day with meals around 5:00 p.m.

Gabapentin dosage for neuropathic pain

• Initial dose: 300 mg orally on the first day, 300 mg orally 2 times a day on the second day, then 300 mg orally 3 times a day on the third day.
• Maintenance dose: 900 mg orally in 3 divided doses.
• Maximum dose: 3600 mg daily

What is the dosage of Gabapentin for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.

In what dosage 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)
• Tablet, Oral: 300 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg

Gabapentin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Gabapentin?

The side effects of gabapentin are quite mild and common, are:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, weakness
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Breast enlargement
• Dry mouth or
• Loss of balance or coordination

Tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms, such as: changes in mood, behavior, anxiety, depression, or if you feel irritable, irritable, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have suicidal or self-injurious thoughts.

Call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as:

• Seizures increased
• Fever, enlarged glands, body aches, flu symptoms
• Skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, intense tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• Upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark, yellowish urine (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, tightness
• Confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, less or no urination
• New or worsening cough, fever, or breathing problems
• Eye movement back and forth quickly

Some of the side effects are easier for children who are taking Gabapentin. Call the doctor if a child using this drug experiences side effects:

• Changes in behavior
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restless, irritable, or aggressive

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Gabapentin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Gabapentin?

Before using Gabapentin,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Gabapentin, any other drugs, or the inactive ingredients of the Gabapentin type or the inactive ingredients of the Gabapentin type you plan to use. Ask the pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients
• You already know that Gabapentin is available in different forms for different uses. Ask your doctor to make sure you don't use more than 1 product that contains Gabapentin
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist any prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you use or plan to use. Be sure to mention the following drugs: hydrocodone (in Hydrocet, in Vicodin, etc.), drugs that can make you dizzy or drowsy, morphine (Avinza, Kadian, MSIR, etc.), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others). Doctors can change the dosage of drugs or closely monitor the occurrence of side effects
• If you are using an antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, take it at least 2 hours before using Gabapentin tablets, capsules, or solution.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease. If you are going to use an extended-release tablet, tell your doctor if you need to sleep during the day and wake up at night
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you will become pregnant and are taking Gabapentin, call your doctor
• If you are going to have surgery, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Gabapentin
• You already know that this drug can make you drowsy or dizzy, can slow down thinking and can lose coordination. Do not drive a car or run a motorized vehicle until the drug's effects wear off, and the doctor has agreed that it is safe for you to do these activities
• If you give Gabapentin to your child, you should know that your child will experience behavioral and mental changes. Your child may have a sudden change in mood, become irritable or hyperactive, have difficulty concentrating or focusing, or be sleepy or sluggish. Keep your child away from dangerous activities, such as riding a bicycle, until you know the effects of Gabapentin on your child
• Note that alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by this drug
• You should know that mental health can change over time and you become suicidal (thinking or planning to harm yourself or commit suicide) when you are taking Gabapentin for epilepsy therapy, mental health, or other conditions. Some adults and children ≥5 years (about 1 in 500 people) who used anticonvulsants such as Gabapentin to treat various conditions during the study became suicidal during therapy. Some people have suicidal ideas and behavior 1 week after taking the drug. There is a risk you may feel changes to your mental health if you take an anti-seizure medication such as Gabapentin, but there are also risks to your mental health if your condition is not treated. You and your doctor will decide whether the risks of using anticonvulsant drugs outweigh the risks of not using them. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: panic attack; agitation or restlessness; new or worsening anxiety, anxiety, or depression; do dangerous things; difficulty sleeping well; aggressive, angry, or abusive behavior; mania (excitement, happy mood too much); talking or thinking about intentions of harm or suicide; withdrawing from friends and family; preoccupation with death; distribute items deemed valuable; or other changes in behavior or mood. Make sure your family is aware of serious symptoms so they can contact a doctor if you are unable to seek help on your own

Is Gabapentin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using gabapentin in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Gabapentin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Gabapentin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using Gabapentin with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before using Gabapentin with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-anxiety, depression, or seizure medications.

Tell your doctor about all the drugs you use, and those you start or stop using during therapy with this medicine, in particular:

• Hydrocodone, (Lortab, Vicodin, and others)
• Morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, and others)

Can food or alcohol interact with Gabapentin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Gabapentin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Depression, or a history of depression
• Have experienced or have had mood or mental changes — use with caution. May worsen the condition
• Kidney disease - use with caution. The effect can be increased due to slower removal of the drug from the body

Gabapentin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.