Gabapentin is a medication that is used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless legs syndrome. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants, which work by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that cause seizures and pain. Gabapentin is also known by its brand names Neurontin, Gralise and Horizant.
But how much do you know about gabapentin? How does it work, how should you use it, what are the possible side effects and interactions, and who should avoid it? In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about gabapentin and provide you with useful information to help you use this medication safely and effectively.
What is gabapentin and how does it work?
Gabapentin is a synthetic drug that was developed in the 1970s by a pharmaceutical company called Parke-Davis. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children. Later, it was also approved for the treatment of nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) and restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Gabapentin works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that inhibits the activity of other brain cells and reduces the transmission of nerve impulses. By boosting GABA, gabapentin slows down the brain activity and produces an anticonvulsant and analgesic effect. Gabapentin also affects other neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and norepinephrine, which are involved in seizure activity and pain perception.
How should you use gabapentin?
The dose and frequency of gabapentin depend on your age, weight, medical condition and response to treatment. You should always follow the instructions on the label or the prescription from your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or for longer than advised.
The usual adult dose of gabapentin for seizures or nerve pain is 300 to 600 mg three times a day as needed. The maximum daily dose is 3600 mg. For children aged 3 to 12 years, the dose is based on their weight and is usually given as a liquid solution or an oral capsule three times a day as needed. The maximum daily dose is 50 mg per kg of body weight.
The usual adult dose of gabapentin for RLS is 600 mg once a day at bedtime. The maximum daily dose is 1200 mg.
You can take gabapentin with or without food, but taking it with food may help prevent stomach upset. Do not crush, chew or break the capsules or tablets; swallow them whole with a glass of water. If you are using a liquid solution of gabapentin, shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose carefully with a dosing syringe or spoon. Do not use a household spoon, as you may not get the correct dose.
If you miss a dose of gabapentin, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
If you take too much gabapentin, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing and coma.
What are the possible side effects and interactions of gabapentin?
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated by most people, but it can cause some side effects in some cases. The most common side effects are:
- Drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
- Headache, blurred vision or memory problems
- Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, irritability or aggression
- Loss of interest in sex or sexual dysfunction
Most of these side effects are mild and temporary and can be reduced by taking gabapentin at bedtime or with food. However, some side effects can be serious and require medical attention. These include:
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention)
- Seizures, especially if you have a history of epilepsy or if you stop taking gabapentin suddenly
- Low blood pressure, especially if you have a history of heart problems or if you take other medications that lower blood pressure
- Liver problems, especially if you have a history of liver disease or if you drink alcohol while taking gabapentin
- Dependence and withdrawal, especially if you take gabapentin for a long time or at high doses
If you experience any of these side effects while taking gabapentin, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away.
Gabapentin can also interact with other drugs and affect their effectiveness or increase their side effects. Some of the drugs that can interact with gabapentin are:
- Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (such as opioids, antihistamines, sleeping pills and muscle relaxants), which can increase the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of gabapentin and lead to overdose or death
- Antacids (such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide), which can reduce the absorption of gabapentin and decrease its levels and effects
- Anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin and carbamazepine), which can induce the metabolism of gabapentin and decrease its levels and effects
- Opioids (such as morphine and oxycodone), which can increase the levels and effects of gabapentin and cause respiratory depression
- Naproxen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), which can increase the levels and effects of gabapentin
This is not a complete list of all the possible interactions of gabapentin. Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Do not start, stop or change the dose of any drug without your doctor’s approval.
Who should avoid gabapentin?
Gabapentin is not suitable for everyone. Some people may have an allergy or intolerance to gabapentin or any of its ingredients. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any other anticonvulsant, do not take gabapentin.
Some medical conditions may also make gabapentin unsafe or ineffective for you. You should not take gabapentin if you have:
- A history of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- A history of myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- A history of sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep)
- A history of liver disease or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependence
You should also avoid gabapentin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Gabapentin can harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. It can also pass into breast milk and affect the nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before taking gabapentin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Gabapentin is not recommended for children under 3 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of gabapentin in this age group have not been established. Gabapentin can cause serious side effects in children, such as behavioral problems, suicidal thoughts or actions.
How to use gabapentin safely and effectively?
Gabapentin can be a useful medication for treating partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless legs syndrome, but it should be used with caution and care. Here are some tips to help you use gabapentin safely and effectively:
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.
- Take gabapentin with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
- Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking gabapentin, as they can increase the effects of gabapentin and lead to overdose or death.
- Avoid antacids within 2 hours of taking gabapentin, as they can reduce the absorption of gabapentin and decrease its effects.
- Monitor your seizure and pain levels while taking gabapentin, as it can reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures and pain.
- Watch for signs of side effects or interactions and report them to your doctor promptly.
- Keep gabapentin out of reach of children and pets.
- Store gabapentin in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.
Conclusion
Gabapentin is a common anticonvulsant medication that can help treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless legs syndrome. However, it can also cause side effects and interactions that can be serious or even life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to use gabapentin wisely and responsibly. Always follow the instructions on the label or the prescription from your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or for longer than advised. Tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Do not take gabapentin if you have an allergy or intolerance to it or any of its ingredients. Do not take gabapentin if you have certain medical conditions that make it unsafe or ineffective for you. Do not take gabapentin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give gabapentin to children under 3 years of age. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Take gabapentin with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking gabapentin, as they can increase the effects of gabapentin and lead to overdose or death. Avoid antacids within 2 hours of taking gabapentin, as they can reduce the absorption of gabapentin and decrease its effects. Monitor your seizure and pain levels while taking gabapentin, as it can reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures and pain. Watch for signs of side effects or interactions and report them to your doctor promptly. Keep gabapentin out of reach of children and pets. Store gabapentin in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.
I hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and have a nice day! 😊