Gabapentine

Gabapentine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Gabapentine is a brand name. Its generic name is Gabapentin.

Introduction

Gabapentine is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a pK a1 of 3.7 and a pK a2 of 11. It's structural formula is: C9H17NO2•HCl

Uses For

Gabapentine is used to treat partial seizures, post-herpetic neuralgia, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Mechanism of Action

Gabapentine binds to calcium channels located in the central nervous system. This action results in a reduction of the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide, which are important for controlling seizures and pain perception.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effects of gabapentin can begin to occur within a few hours of first taking the medication. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks for the full effects to be felt.

Absorption

Gabapentine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1.5-2 hours.

Route of Elimination

Gabapentine is primarily eliminated via renal excretion and is eliminated in urine as unchanged drug.

Dosage

The recommended starting dosage of gabapentin is:

  • For partial seizures in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: 300mg orally three times a day for the first week; the dosage can then be increased up to a maximum of 2400mg/day.
  • For post-herpetic neuralgia in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: the starting dosage is 300mg orally, three times a day; the dosage can then be increased up to a maximum of 2400mg/day.
  • For neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: the starting dosage is 300mg orally, followed by an escalation to 1800mg/day.

Administration

Gabapentine should be taken orally with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.

Side Effect

Common side effects of gabapentin include fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, dry mouth or changes in taste, constipation, nervousness, unsteadiness, insomnia, and weight gain.

Toxicity

Gabapentine is generally safe and well tolerated, however excessive doses may lead to acute toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include confusion, disorientation, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

Precautions

Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Interaction

Gabapentine may interact with other drugs and supplements. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you are taking, as they could affect how gabapentin works. These drugs include, but are not limited to: antacids, opioids, certain antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, or certain calcium channel blockers.

Disease Interaction

Using gabapentin in combination with other drugs that affect central nervous system activity may increase the risk of serious side effects. These drugs include, but are not limited to: cold or allergy medicines, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety.

Drug Interaction

Drug interactions may affect how gabapentin works in your body, and could increase your risk of serious side effects. These interactions include, but are not limited to: certain antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, or certain calcium channel blockers. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you are taking.

Food Interactions

Eating certain foods can increase the absorption of gabapentin, thus increasing the level of the drug in your body, which in turn can increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to avoid foods high in fat or cholesterol when taking this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Gabapentine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If you become pregnant while taking gabapentin, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks.

Lactation Use

It is not known if gabapentin is excreted into human milk. Because of this, it is recommended that if you are breastfeeding, you should not use gabapentin.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include confusion, disorientation, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

Contraindication

Gabapentine is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to the drug. It should also be avoided in patients with a history of renal insufficiency, as gabapentin is primarily eliminated via renal excretion.

Use Direction

Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than what is recommended. Taking too much gabapentin can cause serious side effects. If you are taking any other medications or supplements, talk to your doctor before using gabapentin.

Storage Condition

Gabapentine should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight at room temperature. Keep it in a tightly closed container.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution is 0.85-1.9 L/kg.

Half Life

The half life of gabapentin is 5-7 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of gabapentin is 210-310 ml/min.

Here you find in details version of Gabapentine

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentine

What is Gabapentine?

Gabapentine is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It is used to treat certain types of seizures and is also used to treat nerve pain associated with various conditions, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

What is Gabapentine used for?

Gabapentine is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain and to treat restless legs syndrome.

How long does it take for Gabapentine to work?

The effects of Gabapentine may be seen within 2-3 days. As with any medication, individual response will vary.

How fast does Gabapentine work?

The effects of Gabapentine usually occur quite rapidly, but as with any medication, individual response will vary.

What are the side effects of Gabapentine?

The most common side effects of Gabapentine are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Other side effects may include swelling, confusion, depression, and difficulty breathing.

Can Gabapentine cause anxiety?

Yes, Gabapentine can cause anxiety. If you are experiencing anxiety after taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of side effects.

Can you take Gabapentine with alcohol?

It is not recommended to take Gabapentine with alcohol. Combining Gabapentine with alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Gabapentine.

Can you take Gabapentine with other medications?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking to avoid possible interactions. Always check with your doctor before taking Gabapentine with other medications.

Is Gabapentine a narcotic?

No, Gabapentine is not a narcotic. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

How long does Gabapentine stay in your system?

Gabapentine can stay in your system for up to 72 hours after your last dose. However, this time frame can vary depending on several factors, including your age, kidney function, and metabolism.

Is Gabapentine an opioid?

No, Gabapentine is not an opioid. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Can I take Gabapentine while pregnant?

It is not recommended to take Gabapentine while pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Gabapentine during pregnancy.

Can I take Gabapentine while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to take Gabapentine while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Gabapentine while breastfeeding.

Can Gabapentine help with nerve pain?

Yes, Gabapentine can be used to treat nerve pain. It is commonly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles.

Does Gabapentine cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you are experiencing weight gain while taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can you overdose on Gabapentine?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Gabapentine. Taking too much Gabapentine can cause symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. If you think you have overdosed on Gabapentine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Is Gabapentine effective for treating seizures?

Yes, Gabapentine is effective for treating certain types of seizures. It is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

What are the long-term effects of Gabapentine?

The long-term effects of Gabapentine are largely unknown. Common side effects may include increased fatigue, changes in behavior, and dizziness. Rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions and serotonin syndrome.

Can Gabapentine cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can I take ibuprofen with Gabapentine?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken with Gabapentine. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Does Gabapentine cause hallucinations?

Yes, hallucinations are a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you experience hallucinations after taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapentine affect blood pressure?

Yes, Gabapentine may affect blood pressure. Taking Gabapentine may increase the risk of low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and light-headedness.

Can I take Tylenol with Gabapentine?

Yes, Tylenol can be taken with Gabapentine. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Is Gabapentine habit forming?

No, Gabapentine is not a habit forming medication. However, if you feel like you need to take higher doses then you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapentine help with anxiety?

Yes, Gabapentine can help with anxiety. It is used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting Gabapentine to treat anxiety.

Does Gabapentine help with sleep?

Yes, Gabapentine can help with sleep. It is used to treat certain types of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

Can I take Gabapentine with Xanax?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Xanax. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapentine with Wellbutrin?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Wellbutrin. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapentine with Prozac?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Prozac. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can Gabapentine cause liver damage?

Yes, liver damage is a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you experience any signs or symptoms of liver damage after taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapentine help with nerve pain?

Yes, Gabapentine can help with nerve pain. It is commonly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles.

Does Gabapentine cause constipation?

Yes, constipation is a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you experience constipation while taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can Gabapentine cause dizziness?

Yes, dizziness is a possible side effect of Gabapentine. If you experience dizziness after taking Gabapentine, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Is Gabapentine an anti-inflammatory?

No, Gabapentine is not an anti-inflammatory. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Can I take Gabapentine with Ativan?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Ativan. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapentine with Flexeril?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Flexeril. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapentine with Tramadol?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Tramadol. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Does Gabapentine help with depression?

Yes, Gabapentine can help with depression. It is used to treat certain types of depression and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

Does Gabapentine help with withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, Gabapentine can help with withdrawal symptoms. It is commonly used to treat drug and alcohol withdrawal, as well as nicotine withdrawal.

Can I take Gabapentine with Ambien?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Ambien. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapentine with Zoloft?

Yes, Gabapentine can be taken with Zoloft. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

What is the maximum dosage of Gabapentine?

The maximum dosage of Gabapentine is 1800 mg per day. However, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the best dosage for you.

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