What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant) is a medication that is used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain caused by shingles, or restless leg syndrome. It affects the chemical messengers within neurons and the brain. Gabapentin is part of a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants.
Different types of gabapentin are not interchangeable, and they are FDA-certified for specific circumstances. Only use the form and brand of gabapentin that your doctor has prescribed. Be sure to review your medication each time you refill to ensure you get the right form.
Neurontin (gabapentin) can be used to treat any pain that you might experience due to Sheaths (postherpetic neural pain). It can also be used in conjunction with other seizure medicines for partial-onset seizures in patients 3 years of age or older.
Gralise (gabapentin) is only employed to treat pain following shingles (postherpetic neural pain). It is not recommended to treat any other medical issue.
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is an extended-release tablet that is used to treat restless leg syndrome as well as the discomfort that comes from having the condition known as shingles (postherpetic neuropathy).
Generic gabapentin capsules USP are prescribed for postherpetic nerve pain as well as for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 3 years of age or older.
Caution
Gabapentin could cause serious breathing issues, particularly when you have breathing problems or take other medications that can cause you to become drowsy or cause breathing problems. Get medical attention immediately when you experience difficulty breathing.
Some people contemplate suicide when they are taking seizure medications. Be vigilant for changes in your behavior or symptoms. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any sudden changes in your mood or behavior.ou may also have thought about suicide.
Seizures can increase when you stop taking gabapentin suddenly. Consult your physician before taking the medication.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how gabapentin affects you. Drowsiness or dizziness could result in accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Do not stop taking Gabapentin immediately, even if you feel well.
Before you Take this Drug
It is best not to take gabapentin when you are allergic to it.
To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- Breathing issues;
- Diabetes;
- Depression is a mental disorder characterized by suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- Drinks alcohol;
- A history of substance abuse;
- A seizure;
- (patients suffering from RLS) (patients with RLS) either a night-shift worker or sleep at the office in a night shift, or
- Kidney disease (or those who are taking dialysis).
There are people who think about suicide when taking seizure medication. Gabapentin-treated children may experience behavior changes. Keep an eye on fluctuations in mood or symptoms. Your caregivers or family members are also required to be on the lookout for unexpected changes in your behavior.
It isn't known whether gabapentin can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
Do not take or stop taking seizure medications during pregnancy without a physician's guidance. Having a seizure during pregnancy can harm both the baby and the mother. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant.
If you're pregnant and you are a registered mother, your name could be added to the pregnancy registry to monitor how gabapentin affects you as an infant.
Check with your doctor to get advice on whether it is safe to feed your baby while taking gabapentin.
How to Take Gabapentin?
Use gabapentin as prescribed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may modify your dosage.
Do not take gabapentin in greater quantities or for longer than what is prescribed.
The dosage you require could change if you change to a different brand or strength of this medication. Make sure you are taking only the medicine that the doctor has prescribed.
The two medications, Gralise and Horizant, are best taken together with food.
Neurontin can be consumed with or without food.
When you damage a tablet and take only half of it, you can take the remaining portion when you take your next dose. If a tablet is damaged, it should be taken care of immediately or within a couple of days.
Suck tablets from Grelise along with Horizant in whole. Don't crush, break, or dissolve them. Suck the capsule whole, and don't crush, chew, or break the capsule.
Take measurements of liquid medicine using the device that comes with it (not the kitchen spoon).
Doses are determined by the weight of the children. The dose for your child could change when the child gains or sheds pounds.
It is not recommended to stop taking gabapentin abruptly. A sudden stop could trigger increased seizures. Follow the instructions of your physician when tapering your dose.
This medication can alter the outcomes of certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats your condition that you're using gabapentin.
Your kidney function could need to be examined regularly, and the dose you take could change according to the results.
Keep tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
The medication is in liquid form inside the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.
Follow the storage guidelines given. Your pharmacist will be able to provide additional details about storage methods for this medication.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Epilepsy:
Initial dosage: 300 mg oral on day one. 300 mg orally twice a day on day two, and then 300 mg orally three times daily on day three.
Dosage for maintenance: 300–600 mg orally, 3 times per day.
The maximum dosage is 3600 mg daily orally (in three doses).
The maximum time between doses in the three-times-per-day schedule shouldn't exceed 12 hours.
The safety and efficacy of gabapentin, which is sold under the trade names Gralise and Horizant, in epilepsy patients have not yet been studied.
Use: Adjunctive treatment in the treatment of partial-onset seizures, including secondary generalization
Usual Adult Dose for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Initial dose: 300 mg oral on day one, followed by 300 mg orally two times throughout the day on day two, and the next day, 300 mg orally three times daily on day three.
Titrate to the level needed to ease pain.
Maximum dosage: 1200 mg daily (600 mg taken orally three times per day).
Gabapentin, which is sold under the trade name of Gralise,
Maintenance dose: Gralise must be increased to 1800 mg once every day with a meal at night.
Recommendation for titration schedule:
Day 1: 300 mg daily in conjunction with dinner.
Day 2: 600 mg taken orally in conjunction with dinner.
Days 3 to six: 900 mg taken orally in conjunction with an evening meal
Days 7 to 10 Day 7–10: 1200 mg taken orally in conjunction with a meal at night.
Days 11–14: 15–14: 1500 mg taken orally along with the evening meal
Day 15: 1200 mg orally, together with dinner.
COMMENT:
The GRALISE product is not comparable to other gabapentin products due to the different chemical profiles that affect how often you administer it.
Gabapentin extended-release tablets are sold under the trade brand name Horizant.
The dosage recommended is 600 mg taken orally twice daily. The treatment should begin with 600 mg orally each morning for three days of treatment, and up to 600 mg two times per day (1200 mg/day) on day 4.
COMMENT:
Gabapentin extended-release tablets are available under the trade brand name Horizant, but gabapentin d doesnot have the same properties.
Use for: Postherpetic neuralgia
Usual Adult Dose for Restless Legs Syndrome:
Gabapentin enacarbil is available as a trade mark from Horizant:
600 mg once a day, along with food, around 5 p.m.
Use: To treat moderate-to-severe, primary Restless leg Syndrome (RLS) in adults.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Epilepsy:
Three years or less 3 years old: Not recommended
greater than 12 years old and under 12 years old:
Beginning Dose: Ranging between 10 and 15 mg/kg/day, in three divided doses
Effective Dose: Attained by upward titration for a time of about 3 days The effective dose for patients aged 5 or older is between 25 and 35 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses per day. The recommended dose for pediatric patients between the ages of 3 and 4 years old is 40 mg/kg/day administered in divided doses (3 times per day). Gabapentin is available as an orally administered solution, capsule tablets, or in mixtures between these forms. Doses of up to 50 mg/kg/day have been found to be well tolerated in a long-term clinical study. The time between doses shouldn't be over 12 hours.
Over 12 years old:
Initial dosage: 300 mg orally on day one, followed by 300 mg orally two times every morning on the second day, followed by 300 mg orally three times a day starting on day three.
Maintenance dose: 900–1800 mg, orally, in 3 divided doses. The dose could be increased to 1800 mg per day. Doses up to 2400 mg/day are well tolerated in long-term clinical studies. Doses as high as 3600 mg/day have been given to a limited sample of patients for very short periods of time and have been well tolerated. The time between doses on the three-times-a-day schedule is not more than 12 hours.
Use: Adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, including patients without secondary generalization aged 3 years and over.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If you are taking Horizant, Take a break from the missed dose and get the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for help. Poisoning could be fatal.
Overdose symptoms can include a slow breathing rate as well as double vision, shaking, slurred or tremor-like speech, drowsiness, shifts in mood, dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the effects of gabapentin on your body. Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion can lead to accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.
Do not take an antacid more than two hours before taking gabapentin.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects can be experienced.
Side Effects of Gabapentin
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergy reaction with gabapentin, such as itching, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Get medical attention when you experience a serious reaction to a drug that affects various parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin eruptions, fever, swelling of glands, muscle cramps, extreme weakening, unusual bruising, or a yellowing of the eye or skin.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any abrupt or new changes in your mood or behavior, such as more or worse depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping, or if you experience anger, irritability, or impulsive behavior, aggression, inactivity, talkativeness, or thoughts of taking your own life or hurting yourself.
Gabapentin may slow or stop your breathing, particularly when you've recently taken an opioid drug or alcohol. Anyone who is caring for you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience breath that is slow, with pauses for long periods and blue lips, or if you find it difficult to get up.
Certain adverse reactions are more likely in children who take gabapentin. Call your doctor if you exhibit any of the symptoms that include behavior changes, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, or becoming hostile, restless, or aggressive.
Gabapentin could cause serious adverse reactions. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- Issues with balance or muscle movement issues with balance and muscle movement
- Increased seizures.
Common side effects of gabapentin could include:
- Chills, fever, sore throat, body aches, fatigue;
- Headache;
- Swelling of your feet and legs;
- Difficulties speaking;
- Vision problems, dizziness, and drowsiness;
- Tsunamis, issues with balance or muscle movements;
- Nausea, vomiting.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Gabapentin taken in conjunction with other medications that cause you to become drowsy or cause breathing to slow down could result in dangerous adverse effects or even deaths. Ask your doctor before you take opioid medications, sleeping pills, a muscle relaxer, or medication for seizures or anxiety.
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are taking. There are many drugs that could affect gabapentin. Among them are:
- Naproxen;
- Opioid medicine - hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, buprenorphine;
- Zolpidem;
- Lorazepam
This is not a complete list and a variety of other medications could influence gabapentin. This includes prescription and over-the counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.
