What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription medicine. It is an anti-epileptic drug. Gabapentin is a medicine also known by its brand name: Neurontin, Horizant, Gralise and Gabarone. It helps people with epilepsy to control their seizure. This medicine works by affecting chemicals and nerves in the body that are responsible for seizure or any pain. It alters the electrical activity in the brain and influences chemical activity called neurotransmitters. This drug can be used for treatment as a sole medication and also as complementary medicine.
What are the common conditions in which Gabapentin prescribed?
Gabapentin is prescribed to a patient who is suffering from any type of seizure. This medicine is prescribed to elders as well as children.
It is also suggested to people who want to get relief from post-herpetic neuralgia. This is a common complaint of people with shingles.
How should I take Gabapentin?
Follow the instructions of your doctor and abide by the prescription referred to you. Take the dose as suggested by the doctor. Do not change the dose of the medicine as per your own will.
Even if you are cured of your disease, you should complete your course of medication. Do not suddenly stool taking the medicine unless suggested by the doctor. Gralise and Horizant should be taken with food. Other forms of Gabapentin can be taken with or without food. When you take the capsule or the tablet of this drug, do not try to chew or bite in the medicine. Swallow it whole with plenty of liquid. Your doctor might change the dose of your medicine or the brand depending on your recovery and cooperation with the drug.
- Store the liquid medicine in the fridge and the capsule or tablet at room temperature.
- Do not freeze the liquid medicine.
- Store capsules away from sunlight or heat.
Gabapentin comes as extended-release and immediate release as well. It can be taken in the form of capsules, tablet, or liquid. A patient should use Gabapentin as per prescribed by the doctor. Do not use any generic form of this medicine if your doctor denies to any such requests. Horizant can only be used for restless leg syndrome. On the other hand, Neurontin and Gralise serves the purpose of treating neuropathic pain. Neurontin is also used to treat seizures. If you are using the liquid form of the medicine, use a measuring tool which is provided with the medicine file. Do not use any other utensil. Keep the medicine away from the reach of any children under age 3.
When should you not take Gabapentin?
You should not take Gabapentin if you are allergic to it. Before taking the medicine, you should talk to your doctor about your medical history. Tell them about the medicines you have been using and any pre-existing disease or surgery. If you have a breathing problem, taking Gabapentin can worsen it. If you have any of these, you should let your doctor know:
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Depression or any other mental health disorder
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Breathing problem.
Your doctor might advise you against using Gabapentin if you confirm any of these conditions. This drug can worsen your pre-existing disease. So be cautious about the kind of drugs you use together. The effect of this medicine on newborn or unborn is yet not know.
Therefore, consult your doctor about taking this medicine during pregnancy. Moreover, do not breastfeed your baby if you care on medication.
What are the possible side effects of Gabapentin?
The first thing that you should do while taking any medicine is to check whether you are allergic to it. If you develop symptoms like hives, breathing problem or swelling in certain areas of your body, you might be allergic to that drug. Consult your doctor for further actions. You may have some serious side effects after using Gabapentin. Some of these can go away with the time, but some can cause serious injury to the body and health.
Call your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you develop any side effects listed below:
- Seizure
- Breathing problem
- Muscle movement problem
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Blue coloured skin, lips, and nails
Some common side effects may include:
- Headache
- Change in behaviour
- Concentration problem
- Agitation
- Tremor
- Fever
- Sore throat
This is not a complete list of side effects of using this drug. You should report any unusual change to your doctor immediately.
What to do if I miss the dose?
If you happen to miss the dose of Gabapentin, skip the missed dose. You must not take the missed dose near the time of second dose. Otherwise, it can cause overdosing. If you feel that you have overdosed yourself, seek medical emergency.
To avoid any such condition, take your medicine on a fixed time every day.
Common Drug Interaction with Gabapentin.
Some drug-to-drug interactions can hamper the effect of medicine on the body. It can slow down or completely disrupt the medication process. Therefore, you should be cautious of the medicines you are using together. You should let your doctor know about your medical history before taking any other drug. Antacid are most likely to interact with Gabapentin.
Stay away from alcohol or any sleeping pill while you are on medication. Herbal medicine, vitamin, or supplement may also interact with this drug.
Bottom Line
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug. It is used to treat seizure or neuropathic pain. When you are on medication, you should take the dose on time and do not skip any. Store the medicine in a cool and dry area away from moisture and heat.
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