Gabapentin

Gabapentin

Gabapentin, a versatile medication, can ease nerve pain, control seizures, and even help with anxiety.  This powerful medicine has become increasingly popular among doctors and patients for the wide range of gabapentin tablet uses and its effectiveness in treating various conditions.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It was first approved for use in the United States in 1993 and has since become a widely prescribed medication for various conditions. Gabapentin drug is a structural analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Originally developed as a novel anti-epileptic drug, gabapentin's primary use was to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. However, its applications have expanded over time. Doctors now prescribe gabapentin for several other conditions.

Gabapentin Uses

This versatile medication has a range of applications in treating various medical conditions, such as:

• Seizure Control: Gabapentin tablets play a crucial role in epilepsy management. They are used alongside other medications to help control certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. 
• Neuropathic Pain Relief: One of the most common gabapentin uses is to alleviate neuropathic pain, particularly postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a condition characterised by burning, stabbing pain or aches that can persist for months or even years after a shingles attack. 
• Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment: Gabapentin extended-release tablets help treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). 

How to Use Gabapentin Tablets

Proper use of gabapentin tablets is crucial for achieving the best results and minimising gabapentin side effects. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions carefully and not alter their dosage without consulting a doctor.

• Take the tablets orally with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water or juice.
• If 600 mg or 800 mg scored tablets are used, they can be split in half if needed. Use the unused half for the next dose, but discard it if not used within 28 days of splitting.

Side Effects of Gabapentin Tablets

Gabapentin users may experience drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. These effects usually subside with time. Other common gabapentin side effects include:

• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Hoarseness
• Lack or loss of strength
• Sexual dysfunction
• Lower back or side pain
• Swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs
• Trembling or shaking

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Attention:

• Unsteadiness
• Worsening depression
• Continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth or rolling eye movements
• Allergy reactions, such as hives, skin rash, itching or swollen, and blistered or peeling skin
• Signs and symptoms of liver effects, such as yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes,  vomiting, dark urine, light-coloured stools, and unusual bleeding or bruising.

Precautions

Gabapentin, while effective for many conditions, requires careful use to ensure safety and optimal results. Individuals should be aware of several essential precautions when using this medication, such as:

• Gabapentin can cause serious breathing problems, especially when combined with other drugs that cause drowsiness or decreased awareness. This risk increases for individuals over 65 or those with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
• Drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin can increase drowsiness and dizziness.  
• Some medications may affect how gabapentin works or increase the risk of side effects. Patients should inform their doctor about all ongoing medications.
• Antacids can reduce gabapentin absorption, so a person should take them at least 2 hours before or after gabapentin.
• Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Patients should understand how the medication affects them before engaging in driving or operating machinery.
• Some individuals may experience changes in mood or behaviour while taking gabapentin. These can include agitation, irritability, depression, or suicidal thoughts. 
• Gabapentin can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. 

Patients should never stop taking gabapentin suddenly without consulting their doctor. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to serious problems, including an increased risk of seizures. 

How Gabapentin Tablet Works

Gabapentin has an impact on the nervous system in several ways to alleviate pain and control seizures. Its primary mode of action involves altering how nerves send messages to the brain.

When nerves are compressed or not functioning correctly, they can send false signals to the brain. This causes the brain to perceive pain in a part of the body that isn't being hurt. Gabapentin works by changing this process, potentially reducing the pain a person feels.

Can I Take Gabapentin with Other Medicines?

Some medications that interact with gabapentin include:

• Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline)
• Antihistamine-containing cold, cough, and allergy products
• Antipsychotic medicines
• Anxiety or sleep medications
• Certain seizure medications (e.g., phenobarbital, primidone)
• General anaesthetics, local anaesthetics, or muscle relaxants given before surgery
• Mefloquine 
• Stomach problem medicines (aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids)
• Strong painkillers (e.g., morphine)

Patients should inform their doctor about all their ongoing medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements.

Dosing Information

Gabapentin dosage varies and depends on the patient's age, the condition being treated, and kidney function. Doctors determine the appropriate dose based on individual needs and adjust it as necessary. For adults and children 12 years and older with epilepsy: 

The initial dose is typically 300 mg, taken orally three times a day. 

The maintenance dose typically ranges from 900 to 1800 mg daily, divided into three doses. 

Conclusion

Gabapentin has a significant influence on managing various neurological conditions, from epilepsy to neuropathic pain. Its versatility and relatively low risk of side effects make it a valuable tool in modern medicine. 

While gabapentin offers effective relief for many, it's crucial to use it under medical supervision. Patients should have open communication with their doctors about any side effects or concerns. By understanding how gabapentin works and taking necessary precautions, individuals can maximise its benefits while minimising risks, leading to improved quality of life for those dealing with chronic neurological conditions.

FAQ's

1. What is the drug gabapentin used for?

Gabapentin has a variety of uses in treating neurological conditions, such as: 

• It serves as an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to prevent and manage partial seizures in adults and children aged three and older.
• Gabapentin helps relieve nerve pain, particularly postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a painful condition that can occur after an episode of shingles.
• The drug also has efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome. 

2. Is gabapentin safe for kidneys?

Gabapentin's safety profile for kidneys requires careful consideration, especially for patients with renal impairment. The drug is primarily removed from our body through the kidneys and lacks active metabolites, necessitating dosage adjustments for patients with reduced kidney function.

3. What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?

Gabapentin can cause various side effects, with some being more common than others. The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness and tiredness
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of hands, legs, or feet)
• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Difficulty speaking
• Weight gain

4. Who cannot take gabapentin?

Gabapentin is not suitable for everyone. Certain individuals should avoid taking this medication or use it with caution:

• People with allergies
• People with lung or breathing problems, diabetes, kidney problems, or those on dialysis should inform their healthcare provider before starting gabapentin.
• Those who have mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behaviour should discuss this with their doctor before taking gabapentin.
• Patients with a history of substance abuse should use gabapentin with caution.
• While gabapentin is not contraindicated in pregnancy, its use should be carefully considered and discussed with a doctor.

5. Is gabapentin safe to take every day?

You can take gabapentin when prescribed by a doctor. However, its safety for long-term use depends on several factors:

• Proper dosage: It's crucial to take gabapentin precisely as prescribed. 
• Regular monitoring: Patients taking gabapentin should attend regular check-ups with their doctor, especially during the first few months of treatment. 
• Potential for dependence: A small number of people may become physically dependent on gabapentin, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the medication has stopped abruptly.
• Long-term side effects: Some patients may experience long-term side effects. If these occur, the doctor may adjust the dosage or consider alternative treatments.
• Drug interactions: Gabapentin can interact with other medications, including strong painkillers, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medicines. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.