Gabapentin is in a group of drugs referred to as anti-epileptic medication, also known as an anticonvulsant.
It affects chemicals and nerves within the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and a few types of pain.
- Gabapentin is used to treat partial seizures. It’s taken along with other seizure medications in adults and in children 3 years of age and older who have epilepsy.
- The dose for adults and youngsters aged 12 years or over is between 300mg and 900mg per day. The dose might then be increased step by step to a maximum of 3600mg each day.
- The dose for children aged six years and above depends on the weight of your child. The treatment is started with a low initial dose that is gradually increased over a period of about three days. The standard dose to control epilepsy is 25-35mg per kg per day.
- Postherpetic neuralgia: This is pain from nerve damage caused by shingles, a painful rash that affects adults. Shingles infection with the varicella herpes zoster virus. This virus happens in those that have had chicken pox.
- The dose for peripheral neuropathic pain is between 300 mg and 900 mg daily. The dose might then be increased step by step to a maximum of 3600mg daily.
- Restless legs syndrome: This condition causes discomfort within the legs, leading to a robust urge to move them.It generally happens whensomeone is relaxing or sleeping.
- Dose for Restless leg syndrome is 600 mg orally once daily with food at about 5 PM
Gabapentin Side Effects:
Here is a list of most expected side effects from Gabapentin.
Common side effects
- Dizziness or losing your co-ordination
- Tiredness or feeling sleepy
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Memory problems
- Getting more infections than usual
- Weight gain – gabapentin can make you feel hungry
- Swollen arms and legs
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Difficulties for men getting an erection
Serious Side Effects
- Changes in mood or anxiety.
- Changes in behavior and thinking, especially in children ages 3 to 12 years.
- Serious and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Warnings
This drug can cause life threatening conditions in older people and those who are suffering from COPD.
It may cause suicidal thoughts so it’s better to stay alert and report your doctor if you see changes in your thoughts.
If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Gabapentin, avoid it.
Avoid taking it if you are already taking antacid and other drugs. Antacid containing magnesium and aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this drug.
Do not take this medicine too often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve quickly and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can get worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly. Your diet may need to be reduced gradually.
Learn more about different drugs and medicines