Gabapentin

Generical name: gabapentin
The class of drugs: Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs

Brand names

In the U.S.

FusePaq Fanatrex
Gabarone
Gralise
Neurontin

Available Dosage Forms:

Capsule
Tablet
Tablet, Extended Release, 24 HR
Solution
Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant

Chemical Class: Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (class)

Gabapentin uses

is used to reduce part seizures (convulsions) when treating epilepsy. Gabapentin will not cure epilepsy. It can only help control seizures the duration you take it.

Gabapentin can also be utilized to treat a condition known as postherpetic nerve pain which is a form of pain that is experienced following shingles.

Gabapentin is a brain stimulant that works to stop seizures and ease discomfort for certain conditions of the brain’s nervous system. It’s not recommended to treat the pain that is caused by small injuries, arthritis, or other conditions. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.¶

Gabapentin can only be purchased upon prescription by your doctor.

Before taking gabapentin

In making a decision to use any medicine, the dangers of taking the medicine have to be considered against the benefits it can do. It is a choice both you and your physician will take. Gabapentin is a drug that has many benefits. must be taken into consideration:

Allergies

Discuss with your physician If you’ve had an unusual or unrelated reaction to gabapentin or other medications. Be sure to inform your health doctor if you are suffering from other kinds of allergies, for instance, dyes, food preservatives, animals, or other substances. For products that are not prescription-only, you must review the label or the ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

The studies that have been conducted up to now have not yet revealed specific problems for children that could restrict the use of gabapentin in treating seizure disorders in children who are 3 years old or older. But, safety and effectiveness have not been proven for children less than 3 years old. age.

Studies of the appropriate nature have not been conducted to determine the connection of age and the effects of gabapentin to treat neuropathy postherpetic for children. Safety and efficacy haven’t been proven.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate so far have not revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that hinder the effectiveness of gabapentin among the older age group. However, older patients have a higher risk to suffer adverse negative effects (eg difficulties walking balance or swelling of the leg or feet) and kidney issues related to age that could require care and adjustments to the dosage for those taking gabapentin.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough studies on women to determine the risks to babies when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risk of taking this medication when nursing.

Interactions with medications

Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way however, there are instances where two medicines can be taken together, even if interactions could occur. In these situations, your doctor might want to adjust the dosage or take other precautions if needed. If you’re taking gabapentin, it’s crucial that you let your doctor know that they prescribe any one of these medications mentioned below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Gabapentin in conjunction with any of the following medications is not usually recommended however it may be necessary for some instances. If both medications are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or the frequency you take either of the drugs.

Acepromazine
Alfentanil
Alprazolam
Amobarbital
Anileridine
Aripiprazole
Asenapine
Baclofen
Benperidol
Benzhydrocodone
Bromazepam
Buprenorphine
Buspirone
Butabarbital
Butorphanol
Calcifediol
Calcium Oxybate
Cannabidiol
Carbinoxamine
Carisoprodol
Carphenazine
Chloral Hydrate
Chlordiazepoxide
Chlorpromazine
Chlorzoxazone
Clobazam
Clonazepam
Clorazepate
Clozapine
Codeine
Cyclobenzaprine
Dexmedetomidine
Diacetylmorphine
Diazepam
Dichloralphenazone
Difenoxin
Dihydrocodeine
Diphenhydramine
Diphenoxylate
Doxylamine
Droperidol
Enflurane
Esketamine
Estazolam
Eszopiclone
Ethchlorvynol
Ethopropazine
Ethylmorphine
Fentanyl
Flibanserin
Flunitrazepam
Fluphenazine
Flurazepam
Fluspirilene
Fospropofol
Gabapentin Enacarbil
Halazepam
Haloperidol
Halothane
Hexobarbital
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Hydroxyzine
Isoflurane
Ketamine
Ketazolam
Ketobemidone
Levocetirizine
Levorphanol
Lorazepam
Loxapine
Magnesium Oxybate
Meclizine
Melperone
Meperidine
Mephobarbital
Meprobamate
Meptazinol
Mesoridazine
Metaxalone
Methadone
Methdilazine
Methocarbamol
Methohexital
Methotrimeprazine
Methylene Blue
Midazolam
Molindone
Moricizine
Morphine
Morphine Sulfate Liposome
Nalbuphine
Nicomorphine
Nitrazepam
Nitrous Oxide
Olanzapine
Opium
Opium Alkaloids
Orlistat
Orphenadrine
Oxazepam
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Papaveretum
Paregoric
Pentazocine
Pentobarbital
Perampanel
Perazine
Periciazine
Perphenazine
Phenobarbital
Pimozide
Piperacetazine
Pipotiazine
Piritramide
Potassium Oxybate
Prazepam
Pregabalin
Primidone
Prochlorperazine
Promazine
Promethazine
Propofol
Quazepam
Quetiapine
Ramelteon
Remifentanil
Remimazolam
Remoxipride
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
Secobarbital
Sertindole
Sodium Oxybate
Sufentanil
Sulpiride
Suvorexant
Tapentadol
Temazepam
Thiethylperazine
Thiopental
Thiopropazate
Thioridazine
Tilidine
Tizanidine
Tolonium Chloride
Topiramate
Tramadol
Triazolam
Trifluoperazine
Trifluperidol
Triflupromazine
Trimeprazine
Zaleplon
Zolpidem
Zopiclone
Zotepine

When you take gabapentin along with one of the listed medicines could result in an increased risk of some side negative effects, however, using both medicines could be the most effective treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dose or the frequency you take either or both drugs.

Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminum Phosphate
Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
Ginkgo
Magaldrate
Magnesium Carbonate
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Trisilicate

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or in conjunction with taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol along with certain medicines can create interactions. Discuss with your physician the interactions of your medicine in conjunction with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical conditions

The presence of medical conditions can influence the use of gabapentin. Be sure to inform your physician if there are any other medical issues including:

History of depression, the history of depression, Trouble breathing
Changes in mood or mental state. This can make conditions worse.

Kidney disease (eg patients who are receiving dialysis)–Use with cautiousness. The effects could be more severe because of the slower removal of the medication in the human body.

Gabapentin dosage and use in the correct way

Use gabapentin only when recommended by your doctor. Don’t take more than you need, don’t use it more frequently, and do not take it for more duration than what your doctor has prescribed. Doing so could increase the risk of adverse consequences.

Gabapentin comes with a Medication Manual. Take the time to read and follow the instructions attentively. Consult your physician if you have any concerns.

If you’re making use of Gralise(r) tablet:

They are best taken along in conjunction with dinner.
Take the tablet in its entirety. Do not break, crush or chew it.

For epilepsy patients who take gabapentin 3 times a day take care not to give over 12 hours between two doses. It is most effective if it is present in a consistent amount present in the blood.

Neurontin(r) capsules tablets, capsules, and solutions can be consumed without or with food.

It is possible to break the score-dissolved Neurontin(r) tablets into two pieces but be sure to make use of the second portion of the tablet for the next dose. Don’t use the half-tablet when the entire tablet is cut or broken within the last 28 days. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for any further concerns.

Suck your capsule in its entirety and drink plenty of water. Do not break the capsule, crush it, or chew it.

Make sure to measure your oral liquid with a clearly designated measuring spoon, oral syringe, or a medicine cup. A typical household spoon might not be able to hold the correct quantity of liquid.

Dosing

Gabapentin doses is different depending on the patient. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. This information is only the doses that are typical of gabapentin. If your dosage differs, don’t alter it until your doctor recommends it.

The quantity of medicine you consume is contingent on your strength drug. In addition, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the amount of time between doses, as well as the amount of time you use the medicine depend on the medical condition for which you’re taking the medication.

Forms of oral dose (capsules or liquids tablets):
- Epilepsy treatment:
  - Adults and children 12 years old and over–Initially 300 milligrams (mg) three times daily. Your doctor can alter the dose if necessary and if you are able to tolerate it. The dose should generally not higher than 1800 mg daily (600 mg three times a day).
  - Children aged 3 to 11 years old–Dose is determined upon body mass and should be determined by your physician. The recommended dose for children is between 10 and 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day, divided into three doses. Your doctor can alter the dose if required and if you are able to tolerate it.
  - Children under 3 years old – Use and dosage should be determined by your doctor.
- Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition that can be treated with
  - Adults- Initially 300 milligrams (mg) in an individual dose in the evening. Your doctor can alter the dosage as necessary if you are able to tolerate it. The dose should generally not higher than 1800 mg per day.
  - Children: Use and dosage should be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you are missing a dose of gabapentin do it as quickly as you are able. If it’s close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and then go back to your normal dosage schedule. Don’t double doses.

Storage

Keep your items out of children’s reach.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medications that are no longer needed.

Consult your physician to tell you how to dispose of any medication that you do not take.

Keep the medication in a sealed container that is kept at room temperature and away from moisture, heat, and bright light. Be sure to keep the medicine from getting frozen.

It is recommended to store your Neurontin(r) orally dissolved liquid inside the refrigerator. Don’t freeze it.

Use caution when using gabapentin.

It is vital to have your doctor examine your progress every time you visit particularly in the initial few months in case you suffer from epilepsy. This will enable your doctor to assess whether the medication is functioning effectively and determine whether or not you should use the medication.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice an infection, fever or rash, swelling, pain, or tender lymph nodes on the armpit, neck, or groin. You may also notice unusual bleeding or bruises, or eyes that are yellow or skin. These are signs of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, also known as drug reaction with eosinophilia, the systemic manifestations (DRESS) (also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity).

Gabapentin can trigger serious allergic reactions such as angioedema and anaphylaxis. These could be life-threatening and require medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor immediately in the event of an itchy, rash, and breathing problem, trouble swallowing, or swelling in your hands, face, or mouth when you are taking gabapentin.

Gabapentin can cause changes in vision such as clumsiness, instability, sleepiness, dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in thinking. Be sure to know what your reaction to gabapentin is prior to driving, using machines, or performing any other activity that is risky when you’re not alert and coordinated, or in a position to think or perceive clearly. If the side effects mentioned above are particularly bothersome, consult with your physician.

Gabapentin can cause certain people to feel irritable, angry, or agitated or exhibit other unusual behavior such as being depressed or feeling despairing, experiencing frequent upsets as well as feeling anxious and agitated, or even hostile. It could also cause people to develop suicidal ideas and behaviors, or more depressed. Should you or your children or your caretaker are experiencing any of these side symptoms, consult your physician immediately.

Gabapentin can enhance the adverse effects caused by alcohol as well as other CNS depressants (medicines that cause you to be sleepy or in a less alert state). Examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines and medications for allergies, hay fever colds, sedatives tranquilizers, sleeping pills prescribed pain medication or narcotics, various other medications for seizures (eg barbiturates, narcotics), and muscle relaxants or anesthetics. This includes certain dental anesthetics. Make sure to consult your doctor or dentist prior to taking any of the above when the child or you is taking gabapentin.

Gabapentin could result in respiratory depression. This is which is a serious breathing disorder that could be life-threatening if combined with narcotic pain medication. Consult your physician right now if you experience pink or blue lips, fingers, or skin, or if you experience difficulty and/or trouble breathing rapid or irregular or breaths that are shallow.

Don’t stop taking gabapentin without consulting your physician. The abrupt stopping of the medication could result in seizures. The doctor could advise either you or your child to gradually decrease the dosage you are taking prior to ending it completely.

Be sure that the dentist or doctor who treats you is aware that you’re taking gabapentin. Gabapentin can alter the results of certain tests for medical conditions.

Do not take any other medications in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.

Gabapentin side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may produce unwanted side adverse effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to be present, if they do occur, they could require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these adverse effects happen:

More popular

Unsteadiness or clumsiness
Uncontrolled, continuous, back-and-forth, or eye rolling movement

More prevalent among children

Intense behavior or other issues with behavior
anxiety
difficulties with concentration and a change in school performance
crying
Depression
False sense of well-being
increased body movement
quickly changing moods
reacting too quickly, too emotional, or overreacting
anxiety
Uncertainty or skepticism

Less popular

Stools made of black, tarry
chest pain
chills
cough
Depression, irritability, any other mental or mood change
febrile
Memory loss
swelling or pain in the legs or arms
Urination that is painful or difficult to urinate
sore throat
ulcers, sores, or spots of white on lips or inside the mouth
swollen glands
bleeding or bruising that is unusual
unusual weakness or fatigue

The exact cause is not known.

Pain in the stomach or abdomen
the skin peels, blisters, or peeling
stool with a clay-colored color
Coma
confusion
convulsions
Dark urine that is dark
lower output of urine
diarrhea
difficulty or troubled breathing
dizziness
rapid or irregular heartbeat
headache
an increase in thirst
Slow or irregular breathing or slow or irregular breathing,
itching or a skin itching or a rash
joint pain
Large, hive-like swellings on the eyelids, face mouth, lips throat, hands, feet, legs, or sexual organs
Loss of appetite
Pain or muscle ache
nausea
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Lesions of the skin that are red, typically with a purple-colored center
Eyes that are red and irritated
Unpleasant breath unpleasant breath
Vomiting of blood
Yellow eyes or skin

Certain side effects can be experienced which usually don’t require medical treatment. These side effects can disappear when the body adapts to the medication. Additionally, your doctor might be able to inform you of ways to avoid or lessen certain adverse side effects. Talk to your physician for any of these adverse effects persist or are uncomfortable or if you have questions regarding these: