Gabapentin is a drug used to help control various kinds of seizures associated with epilepsy. It cannot cure epilepsy, but helps control it and will only work as long as its use is continued. It is also used to treat the pain that occurs after a bout with shingles. Being an anticonvulsant, gabapentin increases a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Therefore, conditions within the central nervous system that cause pain can be treated with gabapentin. Generally, less serious pain from minor injuries or arthritis are not treated with this drug.
There are some things to consider before taking gabapentin. You must let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this drug or any similar drug. Gabapentin is usually given to people over the age of twelve, although it has been given to younger children for treating partial seizures. Its safety for children under the age of three has not been established, however. There does not seem to be a problem for older patients, unless there are already age- problems with the kidneys. An adjustment may need to be made to the dose amount in these cases. It is not advisable for pregnant or nursing women to take gabapentin, as there have not been adequate studies done to prove its safety in these situations.
Drug interactions is something that should be taken lightly. Side effects can be increased when using gabapentin with certain medications, vitamins and herbs. A few drugs or ingredients that should be taken cautiously with gabapentin are supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, and magaldrate. Care should also be taken if you plan to take this drug with alcohol or tobacco. If you have any other serious medical problems such as cancer, depression, mental illness or kidney disease, your doctor should know, as gabapentin may make your conditions worse.
Gabapentin comes in three forms - capsule, tablet and liquid - and should only be taken with a full glass of water, usually three times per day. Food is not imperative, although it may help if the medicine upsets your stomach. It is best to take the medication at the same times each day, no longer than twelve hours between doses. Patients are often prescribed a lower dose to begin and then slowly increased if necessary.
Because this drug works with the chemicals in the brain, the medication should not be stopped right away unless you have a doctor's permission. Otherwise, you could experience serious side effects as your body withdraws from the drug. Even if you experience some side effects, do not make any changes to your schedule until ordered by the doctor. Most often, the dose will be gradually reduced to avoid any withdrawals.
Gabapentin, as an off-label drug, has also been used to treat patients with different drug and alcohol addictions. It has been useful for treating migraine headaches, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, menopausal symptoms, tinnitus, restless leg syndrome and chronic pain due to a variety of operations. Many physicians, however, will hesitate to distribute them because the drug is not yet specified to treat some of these conditions. One medical condition that physicians have been using with their patients is for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is tingling or numbness caused by nerve damage due to diabetes.
If you plan to have any surgeries while taking gabapentin, it is very important to let your doctor know. To avoid any interactions between medication, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know if you add any new prescriptions, supplements, herbs, vitamins or medications to your diet. If you forget to take a dose, just take it as soon as you remember. Continue with your regular schedule, however, if it is almost time to take the next dose. You should never double up on your doses.
As with most medications, there are side effects that might occur. If you do experience any of these symptoms, you will better understand what is happening. The most common side effects of gabapentin are: problems with memory, headache, drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, and blurred vision. There are other side effects and all of these concerns need to be discussed with your physician and pharmacist.
Gabapentin has truly been a blessing to many people who have suffered with pain, seizures, and other medical conditions. In order for the drug to be most helpful to you, understanding as much as possible is very important. As more is learned about gabapentin, its side effects and abilities, it will hopefully be able to be approved for treatment of more conditions. In the meantime, it is good to know that a drug has been approved to treat some very serious conditions and help people to live with less pain and illness in their lives.
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