Gabapentin Information
Taking Gabapentin is a great way to treat pain and other symptoms that are related to nerve damage and neuropathic diseases. However, there are several things you should know before you start taking the medication. In this article, you will find information about the drug's common uses, the dosage for adults and adolescents, and how it interacts with other medications.
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Dosage for adults and adolescents
Among anticonvulsants, Gabapentin is used to treat partial onset seizures in children and adults. Its mechanism of action is believed to be a non-competitive inhibition of the voltage-gated calcium channels. However, it has been associated with sedation, dizziness and CNS depression.
The recommended dose is 300 mg three times a day. Increase the dose based on the tolerability. For children, the starting dosage is based on the body weight. Increasing the dose slowly over a period of three to twelve days is necessary.
In the long term, Gabapentin is not indicated for the treatment of children. The dosage for adults and adolescents should be determined by the patient's tolerance.
When a patient has been on gabapentin for a long time, the drug should be discontinued slowly. In some cases, a patient may experience withdrawal symptoms. Other signs of withdrawal include a change in behavior and emotional lability.
In addition, Gabapentin has been associated with suicidal ideation. Therefore, patients should be monitored for suicidal tendency during treatment. It is also possible that the drug may be abused by some patients.
Off-label uses
Various off-label uses of gabapentin have been reported, but reliable evidence is lacking to support many of them. However, this trend is concerning.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved gabapentin to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and partial seizures. It is also used as an adjuvant to other medications. In addition, it has been shown to be effective in treating restless leg syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
In recent years, gabapentin misuse has been on the rise. This is likely due to an increase in the opioid crisis in the U.S. Additionally, pharmaceutical marketing practices may play a role in the trend.
One study of off-label prescribing of gabapentin in the United States found that physicians were using the drug for psychiatric indications, including anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. The majority of prescriptions were off-label. The most common off-label indications included CNS-D drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Other off-label uses of gabapentin include the treatment of chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, and periodic limb movement disorder of sleep. The FDA has warned about risks associated with using gabapentin in combination with certain CNS-D drugs. This may lead to increased risk of toxicity and side effects.
Precautions
Taking Gabapentin can have a number of side effects. You may be sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble thinking. You should talk to your doctor if you experience these or any other symptoms.
If you are pregnant, you should not take Gabapentin. If you are breast-feeding, your baby may be at risk of having an allergic reaction to this drug.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and should be taken by mouth. It should be taken at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember.
Gabapentin should not be taken by people who have an allergy to it or are hypersensitive to other drugs in its class. You should also inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
You should not drink alcohol while taking Gabapentin. It can make you dizzy, cause you to have trouble concentrating, and increase your risk of falling. You should also avoid activities that require you to have clear vision. If you need to drive, you should wear a seat belt.
Interactions with other medications
Medications such as Gabapentin can interact with other medications, causing different effects and increased side effects. These interactions should be disclosed to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Many of the interactions between Gabapentin and other medications are mild. However, a few can be more serious. Some of the interactions can cause life threatening conditions, such as multiorgan hypersensitivity.
Alcohol and other drugs can slow down your breathing, make you dizzy, and decrease concentration. These may affect the way your body processes the medication. If you have problems concentrating, talk to your doctor.
Taking Gabapentin together with other opioids may lead to trouble breathing and can increase the risk of an overdose. The FDA has issued a warning about the risks of using the drug with opioids.
Several drugs may also interact with Gabapentin, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and sedatives. These drugs may be available over-the-counter.
Gabapentin may also interact with certain herbal supplements and vitamin supplements. This can lead to a condition called mitochondrial toxicity.
