What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is used in the
treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy/seizures. It is the first-line drug
for the effective treatment of neuropathic pain which is often caused due to
central pain, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin is sometimes
given together with other drugs in order to treat partial seizures in adults
and children who are above the age of 3 years. It is also known as an
anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.
What is gabapentin used for?
Gabapentin oral capsule
works effectively in treating the following conditions:
Gabapentin helps in
treating partial (focal) seizures. The doctors recommend this drug together
with other seizure medicines in adults and in children above the age of 3 years
who are suffering from epilepsy.
It is a painful rash that
mainly affects adults. In this, you suffer from nerve damage pain caused by
shingles. After infection with the varicella-zoster virus, shingles occur.
However, this virus generally occurs in people who have already suffered from
chickenpox.
Gabapentin might be
recommended by the doctor as part of combination therapy. As a result, you
might take it with other medicines.
It is important to take
the medicine under the supervision of the doctor to get quick relief and avoid
any serious side effects.
What does gabapentin do?
Gabapentin belongs to a
class of medications known as antiepileptic. Although, it is still not
understood how does this medicine works but when given for treating epilepsy,
Gabapentin starts working by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in
your brain. This further helps in avoiding seizures.
The medication is also
used for treating nerve pain where it blocks the pain by interfering with pain
signals that travel through the damaged nerves and your brain.
What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?
Gabapentin oral medication
can cause mild or serious side effects. Although, several people taking this
pill, do not come across any serious side effects. It is important to consume
the medicine as prescribed by the doctor to avoid making your condition
worse.
Common side effects
Some of the common side
effects that you can experience while taking this pill include:
- Viral infection
- Fever
- Jerky movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hostility
- Trouble speaking
In case, these side
effects are mild then they will go within a few days or a week as your body
adjusts to the medicine. But you need to contact your doctor immediately if these
common side effects persist.
Serious side effects
If you start suffering
from serious side effects then call your doctor and get emergency medical help.
Although, serious side effects of Gabapentin are rare, but can occur.
Immediately give a call on 911, if you start experiencing a medical
emergency.
Some of the serious side
effects of Gabapentin capsules include:
- Thoughts of suicide or dying
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Emotional changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Skin rashes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Unexpected muscle pain
- Aggressiveness
What drugs should not be taken with gabapentin?
Gabapentin oral capsule
might interact with some other medicines. The interaction with other drugs can
make you suffer from side effects.
Before starting the
consumption of Gabapentin, make sure to inform the doctor about all the
medications you are taking like prescription, over the counter, and other drugs. Also, inform the doctor about
supplements, vitamins, and herbs, you are taking.
Some of the drugs that
interact with Gabapentin capsule
include:
Opioids like Morphine,
Hydrocodone & Oxycodone
Stomach acid medications
like Aluminum hydroxide & Magnesium hydroxide
What happens if you stop taking gabapentin?
In case, you suddenly stop
the intake of Gabapentin capsules,
you might start experiencing Gabapentin
withdrawal symptoms like sweating,
anxiety, nausea, difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep, and pain.
If, you are taking
Gabapentin for treating seizures and stop taking it suddenly then you might
suffer from seizures frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions for Gabapentin
Can gabapentin cause weight gain?
Although Gabapentin is a
weight neutral drug but there are a few people who might gain weight when
taking the higher dose of the medicine.
Can you take gabapentin as needed for nerve pain?
This medicine is effective
in treating the type of nerve pain which is caused by nerve damage.
Is Gabapentin for anxiety?
Gabapentin is frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Because gabapentin helps in calming the brain and makes people feel less nervous.
Can you drink coffee with gabapentin?
Avoid taking coffee with
gabapentin contains caffeine that affects the working mechanism of the
medicine.
Can you get high on gabapentin?
Yes, the drug can get you
high because it works just like a mild tranquilizer because of its sedative
effects. That is gabapentin high.
Can you overdose on gabapentin?
Yes, a Gabapentin overdose can occur
intentionally or unintentionally. However, an overdose of gabapentin can lead
to serious side effects.
Can you take gabapentin while pregnant?
This medicine can harm
your unborn baby, so it is better to avoid gabapentin during pregnancy.
Does gabapentin cause hair loss?
Side effects of gabapentin
can cause hair loss.
Does gabapentin help
with anxiety?
Yes, gabapentin helps in
calming the brain and makes people feel less nervous.
Does gabapentin help you sleep?
Individuals suffering from
serious depression often face the problem of sleep issues. Gabapentin often
serves as a mood stabilizer for some individuals and due to the mood
stabilizations, it becomes easy to get a sound sleep.
Does gabapentin lower blood pressure?
Yes, gabapentin can lower
your blood pressure but you don’t need to worry unless it is linked with
lightheadedness or dizziness.
How does gabapentin work for nerve pain?
The medication works by
altering the way in which your nerves send messages to the brain. This further
helps in decreasing nerve pain.
How long can you stay on gabapentin?
Gabapentin has a unique
process due to which it does not stays in your body for a long time.
How long does gabapentin stay in your system?
In most people, the
average half-life of Gabapentin is around seven hours. Although the drug can
also take the time of almost 48 hours to eliminate from your system. But
remember other factors might also have an effect on this process.
How long does gabapentin take to work?
After the administration,
the effects of medicines can be experienced within 2 to 3 hours.
How much gabapentin can you take?
Depending upon your
condition, the dosage of gabapentin is recommended by the doctor.
Is gabapentin an anti-inflammatory?
No, it’s not an anti-inflammatory
but can definitely help with nerve pain disorders.
Is gabapentin a blood thinner?
No, gabapentin is not a
blood thinner.
Is gabapentin a muscle relaxer?
Gabapentin is not a muscle
relaxer because it does not provide relaxation from muscle spasms.
Is gabapentin addictive?
If taken as per the
doctor’s recommendation, gabapentin is not addictive. However, physical
dependence has been reported in a few people who have taken more than the
suggested dose of the medicine.
Is gabapentin safe?
Yes, gabapentin is
absolutely safe to take under the supervision of the doctor.
Is gabapentin used for anxiety?
Gabapentin is a generic
antiepileptic and helps to treat anxiety in adults. It is also a generic
formula for Neurontin.
Is gabapentin used for pain?
Gabapentin is used for treating nerve pain which is not relieved by taking a normal
painkiller. Doctors might recommend you gabapentin with other painkiller drugs
to improve your pain relief.
