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Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug. Its mode of operation is not fully known. Although gabapentin is structurally similar to the GABA neurotransmitter, it acts differently than other substances that affect the GABAergic synapse. When should you be cautious with gabapentin?
Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy. However, this antiepileptic drug has no effect on GABAergic transmission. Gabapentin can be used as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of epilepsy. The drug is used in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Gabapentin – indications
The indication for the use of gabapentin is epilepsy. The substance can be used as a form of adjunctive therapy in partial seizures with or without secondary generalized seizures in adults and children over 6 years of age.
In addition, gabapentin can be used as monotherapy for partial seizures with or without secondary seizures in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. Gabapentin can also be used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain associated with painful diabetic neuropathy.
Gabapentin – contraindications
A contraindication to the use of gabapentin is hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.
Gabapentin – precautions
Gabapentin may lead to an increase in the frequency of seizures or the emergence of new types of seizures in some patients. There are also difficulties in stopping additional antiepileptic drugs (when therapy is ineffective) and switching to gabapentin monotherapy. There are insufficient data on the safety of gabapentin use for a long time, i.e. over 36 weeks, and its use in people over 65 years of age.
People with renal insufficiency should use medications with gabapentin with caution. It is often necessary to modify the dose level. Gabapentin should be discontinued when acute pancreatitis develops.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take medicines containing gabapentin.
The patient should inform the doctor about all medications taken, including those without a prescription. It should also be remembered that gabapentin should not be discontinued suddenly as this could lead to the appearance of seizures. Patients should also be screened for suicidal thoughts. These drugs can affect driving and the use of machinery.
Gabapentin – side effects
The most common side effects include an increased frequency of viral infections, severe somnolence, ataxia, fatigue, dizziness and fever. In addition, it may appear, among others pneumonia and respiratory and urinary tract infections, infections and inflammation of the middle ear, leukopenia, anorexia, increased appetite, mood changes, confusion, abnormal thinking and even depression. Gabapentin can lead to nystagmus, reflex and labyrinth disorders, hypertension, dyspnea, hyperkinesia, dysarthria, memory disorders, purpura, acne, facial swelling, or a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
Gabapentin – dosage
Gabapentin is used orally. The dose is determined by the doctor, based on the indication, patient’s condition and age. The effective daily dose is in the range of 900 to 3600 mg. Typically, 300 mg is given once a day, 300 mg twice a day the next day, and 300 mg three times a day on the third. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend that you increase the dose more slowly.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.