Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant or an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures.
Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy.
It’s also taken for nerve pain. Nerve pain can be caused by different illnesses, including diabetes and shingles, or it can happen after an injury.
Occasionally, gabapentin is used to treat migraine headaches.
Gabapentin is available on prescription. It comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid that you drink.
The generic name is Gabapentin and the brand names are Gabarone, Neurontin and Gralise. It influences the nerves and chemicals present inside our body that cause pain or seizures.
Gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain that occurs due to shingles or herpes virus in adults. The horizant brand of this medication is used to treat RLS(restless leg syndrome)
The Neurontin brand of this medication is used to treat seizures in children aged 3 years and adults as well.
Some important information
Take the right form and brand of Gabapentin as recommended by your doctor and check the medicine every time you buy a refill to make sure you got the correct form of this drug.
Check the label and read the instructions mentioned on the label carefully and inform your doctor about any other medicines you use, you medical conditions and allergies.
Avoid using this medicine if you are suffering from
- diabetes
- kidney disease or if you are on dialysis
- seizure disorder or epilepsy
- liver disease
- heart disease
- history of mood disorder, depression, drug abuse, suicidal actions or thoughts
- Suffering from RLS (if you sleep during the day as you at work in a night shift)
Some people get suicidal thoughts while using this medication. Your doctor will check your progress at regular intervals while you are using Gabapentin. Your caregivers or family members also need to be alert to monitor any changes in your mood.
Take Gabapentin as prescribed by the doctor. Do not use Gabapentin in smaller or larger amounts than recommended and also do not use the medication for a prolonged period than advised by your doctor.
Taking the Horizant brand during the day should be avoided. To get positive effects, use Horizant with food at 5.00 in the evening. Both Horizant and Gralise should be taken with food. Neurontin can be taken with/without food.
If you had broken a Neurontin tablet and used only half tablet, then take the other half at the next dose. Any broken tablet should not be kept for too long, so use the tablet as soon as you can or within a couple of days. If you are using liquid form of this medicine, then measure the medicine using the dosing syringe enclosed with the medicine or use dose measuring cup or spoon.
Do not halt the use of Gabapentin all of a sudden, even if you feel you are well. Halting suddenly can lead to increased seizures. Ask your doctor for dose adjustment or change in dose.
Store the medicine away from moisture and light in a room temperature. Store the liquid form of medication in refrigerator but do not freeze.
If you have to undergo a urine protein lab test while you are using Gabapentin, let your laboratory staff know that you are using Gabapentin as Gabapentin can cause false positive result of urine protein test.
Who can and cannot take gabapentin
Gabapentin can be taken by adults and children aged 6 years and over.
Gabapentin is not suitable for some people.
To make sure gabapentin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or other medicines in the past
- have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine
- are trying to get pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding
- are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys don’t work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)
