Gabapentin - Uses, Contraindications, Interactions, and Dosage

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an approved medicine to prevent and control partial seizures. Other than that, it is also used to relieve nerve pain in adults. Gabapentin alters the electrical activity in the brain and affects the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are used to send messages between nerve cells.

How Gabapentin Works?

Gabapentin is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain from shingles and herpes. It reduces pain by changing the pathway of pain sensation in post-herpetic neuralgic patients. In addition, it treats seizures by reducing hyperactivity or abnormal excitement in the brain. It is also used in the management of ‘restless legs syndrome.’ Its available forms are immediate or extended-release tablets or oral solutions. It is excreted through urine via the kidneys, and its half-life is five to seven hours.

What Are the Uses of Gabapentin?

Mainly, oral capsules are used to treat the following conditions:

1. Neuropathic pain, including post-herpetic neuralgic pain (a type of pain that persists for months after the treatment of viral infection, herpes zoster).

2. Seizures (sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain).

3. Restless legs syndrome (irresistible urge to move the legs).

Gabapentin is mainly used as combination therapy.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is available in the market with a brand name and as a generic product. The brand names of Gabapentin include Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise. It is available in tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. The dosage strength of Gabapentin in different forms is:

• Gabapentin Tablets - It is available as 300 and 600-milligram tablets (Gralise) and 600 and 800-milligram tablets (Neurontin or generic gabapentin).

• Gabapentin Oral Solution - The oral solution of Gabapentin includes 250 mg (milligram) of Gabapentin per five milliliters (50 mg per mL).

• Gabapentin Capsules - Gabapentin is available in capsules as 100, 300, or 400 milligrams.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Gabapentin?

Every drug has side effects, and the following can be seen with Gabapentin:

A. Common Side Effects:

• Fever.

• Viral infection.

• Difficulty in speaking.

• Presence of jerky movements.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Tiredness or weakness.

• Headache.

• Uncontrollable shaking of a body part.

• Double or blurred vision.

• Unsteadiness.

• Anxiety.

• Memory problems.

• Heartburn.

• Diarrhea.

• Dry mouth.

• Constipation.

• Increased appetite.

• Weight gain.

B. Critical Side-Effects:

It can bring changes in the mood or cause anxiety which can present as:

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Anxiety.

• Crankiness.

• Panic attacks.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Anger.

• Hyperactivity or talking a lot.

• Violent behavior.

If given to children from one to three years of age, symptoms can be:

• Aggression.

• Concentration difficulty.

• Hyperactivity.

• Changes in performance.

Some life-threatening allergic reactions can also occur, which can cause:

• Skin rashes.

• Fever.

• Hives.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

• Swollen lips and tongue.

• Unusual bruising.

• Bleeding.

• Muscle pain.

• Increased frequency of infections.

What Are the Contraindications of Gabapentin?

The following conditions in patients need to be taken care of while thinking of prescribing this drug and must be avoided, which include:

1. Kidney issues (patients on hemodialysis or any other kidney problem).

2. Allergies (any history of allergy to this drug).

3. It should be used for people over 18 years of age.

4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What Are the Precautions and Warnings for Gabapentin?

Since this drug has side effects, some precautions and warnings must be considered before taking it. Therefore, patients should consult the doctor before taking this medicine or if they start experiencing any side effects while taking this medicine. If the patient experience any of the following symptoms, they should consult the doctor immediately:

• If there are any issues with the kidney in old age or people are on hemodialysis.

• A patient can feel drowsy as this drug can cause slowing down of thinking and motor skills. Hence, do not drive while taking it.

• It can cause suicidal thoughts.

• Allergic reactions.

• Taking alcohol with this medicine can make a person tired or sleepy.

• Epileptic patients should not stop taking it abruptly.

• Avoid taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What Other Drugs Interact with Gabapentin?

This medicine can interact with various other drugs. Some can be beneficial, and others can be harmful. The following are the drugs that can cause interactions:

• Painkillers or analgesics can increase the side effects of Gabapentin.

• Antacids can make Gabapentin less effective.

• Alcohol.

• Antihistamine drugs (used for allergies).

• Medicines for depression, such as Amitriptyline and Fluoxetine.

• Medicines for seizures, such as Phenobarbitone.

• Medication for stomach problems.

• General anesthetics or local anesthetics.

• Muscle relaxants.

• Narcotic pain medicines.

Conclusion:

Gabapentin is a common drug prescribed to patients with nerve pain. Hence, it is advisable to have information about it before taking it. Moreover, the patient should consult the doctor before taking this drug, as it can cause serious side effects.