Gabapentin 300 mg

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a drug used for controlling seizures. It is also used for treating depression and anxiety. Aside from treatment, the drug can also be used for preventing the occurrence of seizures. It should, however, be used in line with the doctor’s prescription.

How to use it

You can use Gabapentin for treating and preventing seizures. It is equally effective against nerve pains in adults due to shingles, which is a painful rash caused by herpes zoster infection. The drug works as an antiepileptic and anticonvulsant also.

Check the Patient Information Leaflet included in the package for helpful information on how to use the drug. Your pharmacist or doctor should be able to clarify any confusing information on the leaflet.

The drug should be taken orally and according to the doctor’s prescription. However, you should take it on an empty stomach. The doctor will prescribe dosages of the drug based on your response to treatment and underlying medical conditions. Children can also use the drug but dosage in children is based on body weight.

How to get the desired effect

Gabapentin comes in different forms:

• Immediate-release form
• Sustained release form
• Enacarbil sustained-release

The doctor can determine which is best for you. However, you should avoid switching from one form to another without first discussing it with your doctor.

Make sure you drink a lot of water when you take the drug. The doctor may decide to increase your dosage gradually as you progress with the treatment. You should take the first dose at bedtime to help reduce the associated side effects. 

The drug should also be taken regularly if you are to get the desired benefits. Gabapentin can only work as desired if the recommended concentration is present in the body. Make sure the drug is taken at are regular intervals and it is better taken at the same time daily.

Dosage for seizure treatment is usually 3 times daily. Each dose should not be more than 12 hours apart. You should never increase the dosage by yourself without consulting your doctor. If you do, you will expose yourself to serious side effects. You should also never stop taking Gabapentin without the doctor saying so since this can worsen the condition. It may be better to gradually decrease the dosage.

Drug interactions

Antacids can interfere with the Gabapentin effect. If you must take antacid while on the Gabapentin regimen, you should take the antacid at least 2 hours before Gabapentin. The concerned antacids are those containing magnesium or aluminum.

If you take the drug with other products that can cause breathing problems or drowsiness, you may end up with severe drowsiness and shallow breathing.

Let your doctor know if you are on opioid medication or cough drugs like codeine or hydrocodone.

Drugs like zolpidem, lorazepam, alprazolam and other drugs used for treating anxiety can also interact with Gabapentin.

Other drugs to note are:

• Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine and cetirizine
• Muscle relaxants like carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana

 You can check the label on any drug before using it with Gabapentin. Avoid taking them together if the other dreg contains ingredients that can cause drowsiness.

You should also not combine this drug with any other drug that contains Gabapentin, like Gabapentin enacarbil.

Bear in mind that Gabapentin may interfere with the results of some laboratory tests, especially urine protein. So, inform the laboratory personnel about this before any urine-related test.

Gabapentin Precautions

You should avoid taking an overdose of the drug. If you do, contact your doctor immediately. If you miss a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, you should not take that missed dose again if the time is close to the next dose. You should avoid taking a double dose of the drug for any reason.

If the doctor prescribes Gabapentin 3 times daily for seizure control, each dose must not be farther than 12 hours.

Always keep the drug away from the reach of children and pets. You should also keep it away from moisture and light by storing it at room temperature. You should avoid flushing the drug down the drain and make sure you properly dispose of expired ones via a local waste disposal company.

Side effects

Some of the side effects are:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Tiredness
• Unusual eye movements
• Tremor
• Blurred or double vision

Do not delay in contacting your doctor if you notice any of these side effects

Swelling may also occur on the feet, ankles, and hands. You should inform your doctor about them immediately. However, this is a rare possibility.

Suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, mood problems, and depression occur in a small percentage of patients taking Gabapentin.

Allergic reactions can also occur but they are very rare. Let your doctor know if you notice any of the side effects below:

• Swelling on the throat
• Itching on the tongue
• Rash on the face
• Swollen Lymph nodes
• Trouble breathing
• Seizure