Gabapentin

May 24, 2021

Medicine

formuladrugs.com

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Where is Gabapentin used?

Gabapentin is a prescription medicine used to prevent and control seizures. This is also used to relieve nerve pain following a painful rash called shingles caused by herpes zoster infection. Shingles can occur anywhere in the body. It frequently looks like a single stripe of blisters that wrap around either the left or the right side of your torso. Shingles usually occur in adults.

Gabapentin is a medication also called anti-epileptic or anticonvulsant drugs. It comes as a tablet for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.

How does Gabapentin work?

Gabapentin works in the nervous system and brain. The drug appears to affect the build-up of electrical signals in the nerve cells. It also affects the activity of neurotransmitters in the nervous system and brain, mainly glutamate and GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps keep the nerve activity in the brain stable. Also, glutamate acts as a natural nerve-exciting agent. It is released when electrical signals build up in nerve cells. Wherein, it excites more nerve cells that are thought to play a key role in causing epileptic seizures and transmitting pain signals to the brain. This medication seems to and decrease glutamate levels and increase GABA, which helps keep the nerve activity in the brain more balanced.

How is Gabapentin taken?

This medicine is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Each dose is usually taken with your evening meal. Take each dosage at consistent intervals. Swallow the medicine as a whole without chewing or breaking it. To help you remember, take it at the same time every day. It will help you take them regularly.

During the first two weeks of the medication, your doctor may gradually increase your dosage. Do not take it more often than it is prescribed. Your disorder will not recover any faster. It will also increase your risk of side effects. If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Gabapentin?

• Vertigo
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Swelling of the extremities
• Tired feeling or weakness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Back pain

What are the precautions in taking Gabapentin?

• Before taking this drug, inform your doctor if you have any medical history. Tell also if you are taking any other medication or you have any other treatments.
• This medicine may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. Inform your doctor if you have any allergies or if you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug.
• This may not be prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits in case you need to use this medication. This medication should only be used when needed.
• Older adults may be sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This should be used with caution.