Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that helps manage seizures due to epilepsy. It can also treat nerve pain — for instance, from diabetes or shingles — and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Gabapentin appears to work by altering electrical activity in the brain and influencing the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which send messages between nerve cells. Brand names for gabapentin include Horizant, Gralise, and Neurontin. The medication is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid form. This article describes the uses, dosages, and side effects of gabapentin. It also looks into the associated risks and some other safety considerations. Gabapentin’s primary use is to prevent or control seizures. It works by calming nerve activity to reduce seizure intensity or occurrence. Children and adults can take this drug. The brand-name drug Neurontin can treat one form of Gabapentin can also help reduce post-herpetic neuralgia, which refers to a burning or stabbing nerve pain that is a common complication of According to one 2017 review, oral gabapentin can reduce moderate or severe nerve pain that results from shingles or Extended-release gabapentin (Horizant) tablets can treat A Gabapentin can cause mild side effects. According to the 2017 review, these effects were slightly more common in people taking gabapentin than a The most common side effects, occurring in around • dizziness • sleepiness • • difficulty walking Children and older adults may be more susceptible...

Gabapentin • • • • anxiety that’s new or worse • • • • • • Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Allergic reaction Gabapentin • • • • • • • • unusual • severe tiredness or • unexpected Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you think your symptoms are life threatening, call 911. Gabapentin doesn’t produce the same effects as medications that are often misused, like • anxiety • • • These effects occurred only in people who used high doses of gabapentin for an extended period to treat illnesses for which the drug isn’t approved. Of the people who’ve misused the drug, most had a history of substance misuse or used gabapentin to help with withdrawal symptoms from other substances. Talk with your doctor if you have a history of drug addiction or misuse. This information can help your doctor decide whether any risk of misuse outweighs the potential benefit of using gabapentin. Talk with your doctor about • Ask your doctor for advice on • Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you can function normally while taking gabapentin. • Talk with your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that can help relieve some of the more common Gabapentin side effects may make you want to stop taking the drug. But don’t stop taking it without first talking with your doctor. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause serious problems, like withdrawal symptoms or the return of seizures. Your doctor will help you stop taking the drug safely...

What Is Gabapentin? Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is an anticonvulsant used for seizure disorders, as well as certain neuropathic pain conditions. It belongs to its own drug class, Gabapentinoids. It is most commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, and neuropathic pain. It is often used as a less addictive alternative to Gabapentin has a similar chemical structure to Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), the brain chemical which affects the body’s nervous system. It can produce feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can help with nerve pain, anxiety, and even poor sleep. Gabapentin is prescribed to treat nerve pain, In addition its potentially addictive nature, Gabapentin can cause suicidal thoughts, moods swings, and abrupt changes in a user’s behavior. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, fever, sleep problems, appetite changes, and chest pain. Thank you! Expect a call shortly. Gabapentin Abuse Gabapentin abuse tends to occur in people who already have an addiction to Opioids or other drugs. The effects of Gabapentin intoxication have been described as a sense of calm, euphoria, and a high similar to One study found that of the 503 participants reporting illegal drug use, 15% reported using Gabapentin in addition to other drugs to get high in the previous 6 months. Another study, working with a sample of participants meant to represent the national population, found almost a quarter of patients with co-prescriptions...

Check with your doctor right away if you have a fever, rash, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellow eyes or skin. These may be symptoms of a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or multiorgan hypersensitivity. This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well. If these side effects are especially bothersome, check with your doctor. This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors, such as feeling sad or hopeless, getting upset easily, or feeling nervous, restless, or hostile. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away. This m...

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you are using Gralise® tablets: • These should be taken with the evening meal. • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. For patients with epilepsy who take gabapentin three times per day, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between any 2 doses. The medicine works best if a constant amount is in the blood. Neurontin® capsules, tablets, and solution may be taken with or without food. You may break the scored Neurontin® tablets into two pieces, but make sure you use the second half of the tablet as the next dose. Do not use the half-tablet if the whole tablet has been cut or broken after 28 days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it. Measure the oral liquid using a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin. Some examples of these antacids are Di-Gel®, Gaviscon®, Gelusil®, Maalox® and Mylanta®. Only use the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way. Dosing The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. T...

Taking antiepileptic drugs like gabapentin can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice emerging or worsening depression or unusual changes in mood or behavior after starting treatment. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact the 988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 How Long Does Gabapentin Take to Work for Nerve Pain? After taking a dose, IR gabapentin starts to work in the body within two to three hours. However, the full effects of gabapentin can take one to two weeks to become noticeable, and some people may need to wait longer to experience significant pain reduction. It may depend on your dose and individual response to the medication. • If you have • Taking gabapentin with • Do not stop taking gabapentin without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems. Your healthcare provider will gradually decrease your dosage to ensure a safe transition. • Wait at least two hours after taking an antacid containing magnesium and aluminum hydroxide before taking gabapentin to prevent interactions. If you forget to take a dose of gabapentin, do not panic. Take it on the same day unless it is too close to the time of your next dose. If it is too close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Resume the regular dosing schedule the following day. Do not take extra to make up for the missed dose. Ca...