Gabapentin
About Gabapentin
Gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain and epilepsy (seizures). It also helps with fibromyalgia and restless legs syndrome (an urge to move the legs due to discomfort). Nerve pain happens when the nerves are damaged or irritated. Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Gabapentin contains gabapentin, which works by calming overactive nerves in the body. It does this by attaching to certain channels in nerve cells, helping to reduce nerve pain and lower the chance of seizures.
Gabapentin may cause common side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling, or problems with balance or coordination (ataxia). Most of these side effects go away on their own. However, if they persist for a long time, consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Gabapentin. Take Gabapentin exactly as your doctor instructs you and for the duration prescribed. Do not stop suddenly, and don’t take more or less than directed, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Do not take Gabapentin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it is safe. Do not give Gabapentin to children unless a doctor has prescribed it for them.
Uses of Gabapentin
• Neuropathic Pain Relief: Gabapentin is widely used to manage nerve pain caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, offering significant relief from discomfort.
• Seizure Management: Gabapentin serves as an adjunct therapy for partial seizures in both adults and children, enhancing control over seizure episodes.
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Gabapentin may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of restless legs syndrome, providing relief from discomfort and improving sleep quality.
• Anxiety Disorders: In some cases, Gabapentin is used off-label for anxiety treatment, helping to lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of calm.
• Fibromyalgia Treatment: Gabapentin is effective in managing fibromyalgia symptoms, including widespread pain and sleep disturbances, thereby improving the overall quality of life for affected individuals.
Medicinal Benefits
- Gabapentin belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants, primarily used to prevent neuropathic pain (pain due to damaged nerves), fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain), and epilepsy (fits).
- It contains Gabapentin, which works by binding to a specific site on voltage-gated calcium channels and blocking the action of overexcited channels; this helps relieve nerve pain and lowers the risk of seizures.
- Overall, it reduces nerve pain by interfering with pain signals travelling through the damaged nerves and the brain.
Directions for Use
- Gabapentin can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor.
- It is usually taken 3 times daily at the same time each day or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Gabapentin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Storage
Side Effects of Gabapentin
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Peripheral oedema (swelling of the feet and legs)
- Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination)
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Gabapentin if you are allergic to any of its contents.
- Inform your doctor before taking Gabapentin if you have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behaviour, drug addiction, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, muscle weakness, heart problems, liver/kidney impairment.
- Please do not stop taking Gabapentin without consulting your doctor, as it could cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies.
- Do not take Gabapentin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor.
- Gabapentin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred/double vision, so avoid driving or operating machines unless you are fully alert.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and St John's Wort herbal supplement (antidepressant) while using Gabapentin, as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Gabapentin may interact with certain medications, such as pain killers (morphine, hydrocodone, meperidine, tramadol, codeine, pentazocine), antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, brexanolone, ketamine, esketamine), antipsychotics (quetiapine), and antimalarials (mefloquine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol and St John's Wort herbal supplement (antidepressant) while taking Gabapentin, as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Gabapentin if you have certain medical conditions, such as breathing problems, depression, diabetes, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, suicidal tendencies, or kidney, liver, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Gabapentin, as it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIt is not fully known whether Gabapentin can affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIf you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before starting Gabapentin. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Gabapentin.
Driving
unsafeGabapentin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred/double vision. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines while using Gabapentin.
Liver
cautionTake Gabapentin with caution, especially if you have or had a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Gabapentin with caution, especially if you have or had a history of kidney disease/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeGabapentin is not recommended for children below 6 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include food rich in vitamin B and D in your diet.
- Include cayenne pepper in your diet, as it can help reduce neuropathic pain.
- Exercising regularly helps improve overall health and combat pain.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Try to take a warm bath as it can be soothing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity, and improve coping skills.
Special Advise
- Do not take Gabapentin for a prolonged time; it may lead to mental or physical dependence on Gabapentin.
- If you are taking any antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, try to keep at least a 2-hour gap between the intake of Gabapentin and these antacids to avoid drug-drug interaction.
- Gabapentin can cause dizziness or drowsiness; try to get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Gabapentin can cause dry mouth, so in that case, drink water or fluids, suck hard candy or ice, chew (sugarless) gum, or use a saliva substitute.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neuropathic Pain: It is a nervous disorder that occurs due to nerve damage caused by chronic progressive nerve disease, limb amputation, diabetes, infection, or injury. The pain could be intermittent or continuous, felt as a prickling, stabbing, tingling, or burning sensation. A feeling of numbness and loss of senses is also common with neuropathic pain. Usually, the body sends pain signals when there is an injury, but with neuropathic pain, the pain that is not triggered by an injury, the body sends pain signals. Symptoms include untriggered pain, unpleasant feelings, shooting, burning, or stabbing pain, difficulty resting or sleeping, and pain caused by events that are usually not painful.
Epilepsy: It is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. It is a disorder of the nervous system that occurs due to disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain. Seizures are of two types: generalised and partial seizures. Generalised seizures affect the entire brain, whereas partial seizures affect only a part of the brain. Seizures can cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Stronger seizures may cause people to become confused or unconscious. Possible causes include high fever, trauma, genetic disorder, brain injury, or stroke.
FAQs
Gabapentin belongs to a group of medications called anticonvulsants, primarily used to manage or prevent neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Besides this, it is also used to treat fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain) and restless legs syndrome (a condition causing leg discomfort and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs).
Gabapentin contains Gabapentin, which is an anticonvulsant medication. In epilepsy, it works by stopping seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In nerve pain, it interferes with pain messages travelling through the brain and down the spine to block pain.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness while using Gabapentin. Gabapentin can also sometimes cause blurry/double vision, hence avoid driving in such situations. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
The common side effects of Gabapentin are dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling, and ataxia (impaired balance or coordination). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Yes, Gabapentin may cause weight gain because, as it increases your hunger. However, regular physical exercise and a balanced diet with low-calorie food may help you keep your weight stable. Please consult your doctor if you have any further concerns about keeping your weight stable.
Some people, after taking it for a long time, have become addicted to Gabapentin. If this happens, once you stop taking the drug, you will have withdrawal symptoms. If you are worried about being physically dependent on Gabapentin, talk to your doctor.
Gabapentin is intended to be used to manage or prevent neuropathic pain and epilepsy. It can help improve sleep in some cases. While it's not specifically approved for insomnia. it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your specific needs and potential risks.
The onset of pain relief from Gabapentin can vary from person to person. While some people feel better after a few days, others may take many weeks to observe a significant change. If you don't see any relief after a few weeks or if your pain worsens, you should see your doctor.
Gabapentin may cause weight gain in some people. While this does not happen for everyone, it's a possibility. If you are worried about weight gain while taking Gabapentin, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can help you evaluate the benefits and risks of the medication and explore alternative treatment options if needed.
The duration of Gabapentin treatment varies based on individual factors. Your condition, how your body responds, the severity of your symptoms, and your doctor's recommendations will determine how long you'll need to take it. Always follow your doctor's instructions and avoid stopping the medication abruptly.
Very few people taking Gabapentin have serious side effects. These include suicidal thoughts, an inflamed pancreas, hallucinations, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these severe side effects while taking Gabapentin, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Gabapentin is not typically considered habit-forming. It does not have the same addictive potential as opioids.
No, you should not take Gabapentin off and on. Stopping and starting the medication can lead to unpredictable side effects and may not effectively manage your nerve pain.
Taking more than the recommended dose of Gabapentin can lead to serious side effects. If you or someone you know has taken too much of this medication, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Before taking the Gabapentin, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. And inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
While taking Gabapentin, it is essential to avoid alcohol and other sedating medications to prevent excessive drowsiness and impaired judgment. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how $nam affects your coordination. To prevent seizures, do not stop taking Gabapentin abruptly without consulting your doctor. If you need to take antacids, wait at least 2 hours before taking Gabapentin to avoid interference with its absorption. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of Gabapentin with your healthcare provider.
Gabapentin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It can also sometimes cause blurry/double vision. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines after taking Gabapentin. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
Take Gabapentin with caution, especially if you have or had a history of kidney disease/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. So, inform your doctor about your condition before prescribing Gabapentin.
It is generally not recommended to take Gabapentin during pregnancy or breastfeeding without careful consideration and discussion with your doctor. They can provide the most accurate and appropriate information for your specific circumstances.
