A powerful drug, gabapentin is used to treat various illnesses. Most commonly, gabapentin is prescribed for epileptic seizures. Although it cannot cure epilepsy, it can control the seizures, allowing people to live a more normal life. Gabapentin is labeled an anticonvulsant and works by releasing gamma-aminobutyric acid into the brain, thus stopping activity in the central nervous system. This drug is generally used to treat more serious illnesses.
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. In these cases, an adjustment may need to be made in the amount prescribed. There have not been adequate studies done for women who are pregnant or nursing in regards to this drug, so serious risks should be considered.
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. Often, doctors will start patients on a low dose to see how they do and slowly increase the amount as needed.
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.
As an off-label drub, gabapentin has also helped treat patients with various drug and alcohol dependencies. Its effectiveness has seemed obvious for those suffering with menopausal symptoms, restless leg syndrome, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, migraine headaches and chronic pain caused by operations. Many physicians, however, will hesitate to distribute them because the drug is not yet specified to treat some of these conditions. Gabapentin has also proved to be helpful to patients suffering from the numbness and tingling caused by nerve damage due to diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Gabapentin is a powerful drug, so if you are having any surgeries, it is important to let your doctor know beforehand. Also, if you add any new medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements to your diet, let your pharmacist and doctor know so that there will not be any interactions between your medications. If you forget to take a dose, just take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular scheduled dose. You should never double up on your doses.
As with most medications, there are side effects that might occur. Being aware of this will help you to understand what is happening in case you do experience any of these symptoms. The most common side effects of gabapentin are: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, anxiety, and memory problems. There are other side effects and all of these concerns need to be discussed with your physician and pharmacist.
People who have suffered with epileptic seizures, chronic pain and other medical condition have been given renewed hope through gabapentin. 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. Gabapentin has already been proven to be helpful, however, to people who live with some very serious medical conditions.
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