Gabapentin

Generic Name

• Gabapentin.

Brand Names

• Neurontin.

General Information

Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. It is used alone or in combination of other epilepsy medicine for controlling some type of seizures. Gabapentin affects the nerves or chemicals responsible for seizures and thus helps in controlling seizure. Gabapentin can also be used for controlling and nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Gabapentin may cause dizziness and therefore after taking gabapentin do not drive and operate heavy machineries. Gabapentin relieves the pain of postherpetic neuralgia by changing the way the body senses pain. Gabapentin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that gabapentin may cause bone or kidney problems in offspring when given to the mother in doses larger than the largest human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. Some conditions such as seizures may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Gabapentin can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.

Gabapentin Dosage

• The dose of gabapentin will be different for different patients.
• Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.
• For adults, the initial dose of gabapentin is 300 mg taken by mouth three times each day. The dosage may be increased if necessary.
• Dosages as high as 800�1,200 mg three times daily have been well tolerated.
• In children three to 12 years of age, the starting dose should be 10�15 mg/day given in three equal doses.

Side Effects of Gabapentin

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Dizziness and drowsiness.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Lack of coordination in muscles.
• Back or joint pain.
• Double or blurred vision.
• Memory problems.

Warnings and precautions before taking Gabapentin

• Gabapentin may cause dizziness and therefore after taking gabapentin do not drive and operate heavy machineries.
• Children below 18 years of age have been found to occur mild behavioral changes during the treatment with gabapentin.
• If your doctor recommends you gabapentin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to gabapentin.
• The medicine may pass into breast milk and if you are a breast-feeding mother, make sure to inform your doctor.
• If you take an antacid, keep a gap of at least two hours between antacid and gabapentin.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.

Overdosage

• You should only use the recommended dosage of gabapentin and if you suspect an overdose you should immediately contact to your doctor.
• The symptoms of overdose may be dizziness, drowsiness, double vision and diarrhea.
• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

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