Gabapentin is a drug for medicinal use. It exists as either an oral pill, an oral capsule with an instant release an oral tablet with a prolonged-release, and in the form of an oral solution.
It’s available as brand-name Neurontin as well as a generic drug. Generic medications typically charge less than a branded version. Both of these may be available in a variety and formulations.
Uses of Gabapentin
The main use of Gabapentin is to inhibit seizures or manage them. To decrease seizure severity or frequency, it operates by calming the nerve activity.
The medication can be used by kids as well as adults. In kids as young as three years old, this brand can address one type of epilepsy. Some individuals take certain gabapentin drugs to manage the effects of epilepsy.
A study in 2017 revealed that Oral gabapentin (about 1,200 milligrams), can decrease mild to extreme nerve pain resulting from shingles or diabetes. Doctors often recommend Gabapentin for anxiety.
What to avoid while taking gabapentin?
Avoid driving or dangerous tasks unless you understand how you’ll be affected by gabapentin. This can affect your responses. Umbles, accidents, or serious injury may be caused by lightheadedness or sleepiness.
Do not take an antacid within 2 hours of having gabapentin or just after having it. It is because Antacid may lead to the absorption of gabapentin more difficult for your body. Also, when you are taking gabapentin, stop consuming alcohol.
What other medicines can influence gabapentin?
Gabapentin can trigger harmful adverse effects or death when combined with other medications that interrupt your breathing. Before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, any cold or infection medicine, a nerve relaxer, or depression or epilepsy medicine, ask the doctor.
Gabapentin can interact with certain medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. It is therefore important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking or about any drugs you begin or avoid using.
What are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?
The oral tablet of Gabapentin can have moderate to severe side effects. Some of the primary adverse effects that can appear when using gabapentin are provided in the following list. Note that not all potential side effects are included in this list.
Consult a physician or pharmacist for even more detail about possible side effects of gabapentin, or for advice on how to handle them.
- viral infection
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- trouble speaking
- hostility
- jerky movements
- Changes in mood or anxiety
- Changes in behavior and thinking
Conclusion
Gabapentin is mostly used to cure anxiety, seizures, and post-surgery chronic pains. There are many types of gabapentin accessible, and various forms can treat various medical conditions.
Based on the illness and other aspects, the optimal dose will differ greatly. A doctor will provide the best advice on medication reactions and other safety factors.
While it can cause many adverse effects, many individuals do not encounter any severe side effects at all. These reactions are most likely to be seen if someone is taking certain drugs that can interact with gabapentin and alternate the way it works.