Gabapentin
Gabapentin is the generic name for this medication (GA ba PEN tin)
Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin, Gabarone are some of the brand names.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogues are a kind of medication.
What is gabapentin and how does it work?
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication that is also known as an anticonvulsant. It has an effect on the chemicals and neurons in the body that are involved in the production of seizures and the sensation of certain kinds of discomfort. Gabapentin is a medication that is used in conjunction with other medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children who are at least three years old. Additionally, gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic pain (nerve pain) in adults that is caused by the herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster). The brand and form of gabapentin that your doctor has prescribed are the only ones to use. Every time you obtain a refill, double-check your medication to ensure that you are receiving the proper form. Neuropathic pain is the sole condition for which gabapentin is prescribed under the Gralise brand name. It is not prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy. Horizant is prescribed to patients suffering from nerve discomfort and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Neurontin is a brand of medication that is used to treat seizures in adults and children that are at least 3 years old, as well as neuropathic pain in adults and children.
Warnings
In certain cases, gabapentin may cause life-threatening breathing difficulties, particularly in people who already have a respiratory condition or who take other medications that might make you sleepy or cause your breathing to slow down. If you have very sluggish breathing, you should seek immediate medical care. While using gabapentin, some individuals have suicidal thoughts or behavioural changes. Keep an eye out for any changes in your mood or physical problems. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to your doctor. Avoid driving or engaging in other potentially dangerous activities until you have a better understanding of how gabapentin will impact you. Falls, accidents, and serious injuries may occur as a result of dizziness or sleepiness. Even if you are feeling well, do not abruptly discontinue your gabapentin treatment.
Prior to using this medication, you should consult your doctor.
If you have an allergy to gabapentin, you should avoid taking it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions to ensure that gabapentin is safe for you:
- Breathing difficulties or lung illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are common.
- (Or if you are on dialysis, you have renal disease.)
- diabetes;
- suicide attempts or thoughts, as well as sadness or a mood condition;
- an addiction to drugs;
- a seizure (unless you are on gabapentin, which is prescribed to treat seizures);
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- a cardiac condition; or
- If you are a day sleeper or work the night shift, this is very important for individuals with RLS.
Suicidal thoughts have been reported in some individuals when using this medication. The conduct of children who are taking gabapentin may alter. Keep an eye out for any changes in your mood or physical problems. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to your doctor. It is not known whether or whether this medication may cause damage to an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are expecting a child or if you want to get pregnant. When you are pregnant, seizure management is very essential, and having a seizure may be harmful to both the mother and the baby. It is important not to start or stop taking gabapentin for seizures without seeing your doctor beforehand, and to notify your doctor immediately if you get pregnant. Your name may be added to a pregnancy registry if you are expecting a child so that the effects of gabapentin on the child may be monitored. It is possible that breast-feeding is unsafe when using this medication. Inquire with your doctor about any potential risks.
How should Gabapentin be taken?
Take gabapentin precisely as your doctor has recommended. Adhere to all instructions on the medication label. Consume no more or less than the prescribed quantity or for any longer than advised. If your doctor changes the brand, strength, or type of gabapentin that you are taking, your dose requirements may vary as well. Inquire with your pharmacist if you have any queries regarding the new gabapentin formulation you received at the drugstore. Gralise and Horizant should be used in conjunction with meals. Neurontin is a medication that may be taken with or without meals. If you split a Neurontin pill in half and take just half of it, repeat the dosage with the other half. Any damaged pill should be utilised immediately or within a few days. Consume the capsule or tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it. Carefully measure liquid medications. Utilize the supplied dosage syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not abruptly stop using this medication, even if you feel well. Stopping abruptly may result in a rise in seizures. Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations about dosage reduction. Wear or carry medical identification in case of emergency to alert people to your seizure condition. This medication may provide unexpected findings on some medical tests. Inform any physicians who treat you that you are taking gabapentin. Both tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Refrigerate the liquid medication. Avoid freezing.
Dosage details The usual adult dose for epilepsy is as follows:
On day one, take 300 mg orally twice daily; on day two, take 300 mg orally twice daily; and on day three, take 300 mg orally three times daily. 300-600mg orally three times day as a maintenance dosage Maximum daily dose: 3600 mg orally (in 3 divided doses) The time interval between dosages should not exceed 12 hours under the three-times-a-day regimen. There has been no research on the safety and efficacy of gabapentin, which is marketed under the brand names Gralise or Horizant, in individuals with epilepsy. Adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures, both with and without subsequent generalisation Adult Dose Typical for Postherpetic Neuralgia: Initial dose: 300 mg orally on day one, 300 mg orally twice daily on day two, and 300 mg orally three times daily on day three. Maximum daily dose: 1800 mg (600 mg orally 3 times a day) Gabapentin is marketed as Gralise. Gralise should be titrated to 1800 mg orally once day with an evening meal as a maintenance dosage. Titration schedule recommended: Day 1: 300 mg orally with dinner Day 2: 600 mg orally with dinner 3–6 days: 900 mg orally with an evening meal 7–10 days: 1200 mg orally with evening meal On days 11–14, take 1500 mg orally with your evening meal. Day 15: 1800 mg orally with supper COMMENT: Gralise and other gabapentin medications are not interchangeable due to their distinct pharmacokinetic characteristics, which influence the frequency of dosage. Horizant is the brand name for gabapentin enacarbil extended release tablets. The suggested dose is 600 mg twice day orally. The first dosage should be 600 mg orally in the morning for three days, then raised to 600 mg twice day (1200 mg/day) on day four. COMMENT:Gabapentin enacarbil extended release pills, marketed under the brand name Horizant, are not interchangeable with gabapentin.
Adult Dose Typical for Restless Legs Syndrome:
Horizant is a brand name for gabapentin enacarbil. 600 mg once day with meals at about 5 p.m. Adults with moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Typical Pediatric Epilepsy Dose: Under the age of three years: Not recommended Greater than or equal to three years and less than or equal to twelve years: Starting Dose: 10–15 mg/kg/day in three separate doses
Dosage Effectiveness:
The effective dosage in patients 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg/kg/day in split doses; this dose is reached via upward titration over about 3 days; the effective dose in patients 5 years of age and older is 25 to 35 mg/kg/day in divided doses (3 times a day). In paediatric patients aged 3 and 4, the effective dosage is 40 mg/kg/day split into two doses (3 times a day). Gabapentin may be given orally, as a capsule, or as a tablet, or in combination with any of these forms. In a long-term clinical trial, doses up to 50 mg/kg/day were well tolerated. Between dosages, the maximum time gap should not exceed 12 hours. Over the age of 12: Initial dose: 300 mg orally on day 1, 300 mg orally twice daily on day 2, 300 mg orally three times daily on day 3. Maintenance dosage: 900–1800 mg orally in three separate doses; dose may be raised to 1800 mg per day. In long term clinical trials, doses up to 2400 mg/day have been well tolerated. 3600 mg/day doses have also been given to a limited number of individuals for a very short period of time with good results. The time interval between dosages should not exceed 12 hours under the three-times-a-day regimen. Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in children 3 years of age and older, with and without subsequent generalisation.
What if I forget to take a dose?
Take the medication as soon as possible, but omit the missed dosage if your next dose is approaching. Do not take two doses concurrently.
If you are taking Horizant, skip the missing dosage and continue with your usual schedule. Never take two doses of Horizant at the same time.
What happens if I take an excessive dose?
Seek immediate medical care or contact 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help.
What not to do
Avoid driving or engaging in other potentially dangerous activities until you know how gabapentin may effect you. Your responses may be harmed. Insomnia or dizziness may result in falls, accidents, or serious injury.
Avoid eating an antacid for at least two hours prior to taking gabapentin. Antacids may impair your body’s absorption of gabapentin.
Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking gabapentin.
Use: Neuralgia postherpetica
Gabapentin adverse reactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms of a gabapentin allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck.
Seek medical attention if you have a severe medication response that affects many organs in your body. Skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscular pains, extreme weakness, unusual bruises, upper stomach discomfort, or yellowing of the skin or eyes are all possible symptoms.
Notify your doctor if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as changes in mood or behaviour, anxiety, panic attacks, or difficulty sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or self-injury.
Consult your physician immediately if you have:
- sluggish or shallow breathing
- skin, lips, fingers, and toes that are blue in colour;
- disorientation, excessive sleepiness, or weakness;
- balance or muscular mobility issues;
- eye motions that are irregular or involuntary; or
- seizures became more frequent.
Gabapentin may result in potentially fatal respiratory difficulties. If you have sluggish breathing with lengthy pauses, bluish lips, or are having difficulty waking up, the person caring for you should seek immediate medical care. Breathing difficulties may be more prevalent in elderly individuals or those with COPD.
Certain adverse reactions are more likely to occur in children using gabapentin. Consult your doctor if your kid develops any of the following adverse effects while taking this medication:
- behavioural modifications;
- difficulties with remembering;
- difficulty focusing; or
- exhibiting a restless, angry, or violent demeanour.
- The following are some of the most common gabapentin adverse effects:
- Fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pains, and unusual exhaustion;
- jerky motions;
- headache;
- duality of vision;
- swollen legs and feet;
- tremors;
- difficulty communicating;
- dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue;
- balance or eye movement difficulties; or
- vomiting and nausea.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible adverse reactions, and more may occur. Consult your physician for medical advice about possible side effects. You may contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse effects.
Additional information
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and take gabapentin only as directed. Consult your healthcare practitioner to verify that the information provided on this page is applicable to your specific situation. Utah Blog Hive Disclaimer
