Medication: | Gabapentin Brandes & Synonyms: (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Neuraptine, SmartRx Gaba-V Kit, Gabarone) |
Tablet Strength: | 800 mg, 600 mg, 400 mg, 300 mg, 100 mg |
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Gabapentin Medication: Uses, Potential Side Effects, and Addiction Gabapentin drug: why is it taken by patients, how does it operate, and are there any side effects from its use? Let's find out as much as possible about Gabapentin medicine.
Gabapentin is regarded as an anticonvulsant employed for the treatment of epileptic seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and restless legs syndrome.
Individuals should have a prescription if they intend to purchase this medication. Brand names for Gabapentin involve Gralise, Horizant, and Neurontin.
Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin is not completely comprehended, it may operate by decreasing excitatory brain signaling. This may assist in averting seizures and altering the way the brain reacts to pain signals. The Gabapentin drug may be purchased in the form of a capsule, tablet, or oral solution.
Being a medicine that belongs to the anticonvulsant class, Gabapentin has obtained recognition for its efficacy in treating seizures and pain that is connected with nerves.
This article includes a comprehensive overview of the Gabapentin medication from its various uses and advantages to potential side effects.
In order to comprehend the principles of Gabapentin operation, there is a need to have a general representation of how the brain operates first. A balance of excitatory and inhibitory nervous system activity is partially ensured by neurotransmitters (known as GABA and glutamate).
Gabapentin (Neurontin) medicine may operate by reinforcing the inhibitory signaling of GABA and decreasing the neural excitation that is connected with glutamate activity. This leads to reduced signals for pain, anxiety, and excitation.
As mentioned above, Gabapentin is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid form. There are a few uses for Gabapentin that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For instance, this medication is employed as a pain treatment.
Gabapentin may be taken to treat neuropathic pain that is connected with the development of shingles. Also, Gabapentin may be employed as seizure treatment for individuals who are over 12 years old. This medicine is approved as a way of treating seizures in adults over the age of 12.
Gabapentin is regarded as a complementary therapy, implying that it is an extra form of intervention that can be added to existing treatment methods to boost their effectiveness. Finally, it is possible to take Gabapentin to control seizures in children.
The drug is approved as a complementary therapy for seizure control in children who are under the age of 12.
The Gabapentin drug likewise has some other medicinal uses that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially.
For instance, Gabapentin may be prescribed as a way of treating other types of pain, in particular, pain that is connected with diabetes. Also, some studies have shown that the Gabapentin medication may be helpful as an additional treatment for patients with bipolar disorder who experience anxiety.
Gabapentin apparently relieves anxiety but isn't effective in solving mania and depression problems. The Gabapentin drug is turned out to be effective as a way of treating restless leg syndrome. Finally, Gabapentin is usually employed to help patients recovering from substance use disorders.
This medication is turned out to be effective in the control of withdrawal symptoms from a few various substances of misuse.
Aside from being employed as a way of treating addictions to substances, the Gabapentin drug is commonly taken for the treatment of alcoholism. Here , you will find a study that showed amazing results during the 16-week treatment of 150 individuals suffering from alcohol addiction, highlighting better results among those patients who were treated with both Gabapentin and Naltrexone than the latter alone.
Doses may range from 100 mg to 800 mg. As a rule, the frequency of administration is based on different factors, in particular, withdrawal symptom severity and withdrawal progress.
The advisable dosages for the Gabapentin medication may vary depending on the age of the patient. It is expected that young children and elderly people respond to lower doses.
Also, lower doses may be employed as a safety procedure for these demographics.
Despite the fact that healthcare providers may usually increase the dosage of Gabapentin for individuals who begin to develop tolerance to this medication, U.S. Food and Drug Administration informs that there is a ceiling to the effectiveness of Gabapentin, and its boosted effectiveness for treating neuropathic pain has not been shown at extremely high doses.
Gabapentin may cause side effects, which may range from person to person.
According to the National Library of Medicine, some side effects of the Gabapentin drug are as follows:
drowsiness, dizziness, shaking in one part of the body, unsteadiness, complexities with memory, uncontrolled eye movement, heartburn, dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain, back or joint pain, ear pain, weakness, headache, blurry or double vision, anxiety, strange or unusual thoughts, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, swelling in the extremities, fever, red and itchy eyes, and others.
Gabapentin is a universal medicine that is broadly employed for treating seizures and neuropathic pain. It provides relief to patients who experience epilepsy and different conditions that are connected with nerves.
Also, this medication has shown potential for off-label use for various conditions, in particular, restless leg syndrome and addictions.
As with any drug, Gabapentin should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Comprehension of the potential side effects and considerations is important to ensure Gabapentin's secure and effective use.
If you consider the possible use of the Gabapentin medication for your condition, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider to determine if this drug is the right choice for you.
Is it possible to be addicted to Gabapentin?
Although the Gabapentin medication is not considered highly addictive, it may potentially result in physical dependence and abuse in some patients.
The Gabapentin drug has been classified as a Schedule V controlled substance in certain jurisdictions, pointing out a lower potential for abuse in comparison to substances in higher schedule categories.
What are the symptoms of Gabapentin overdose?
According to the National Library of Medicine, major symptoms of Gabapentin overdose involve slurred speech, diarrhea, double vision, drowsiness, etc.
Is Gabapentin safe?
Gabapentin may be secure and effective medication when employed as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Can I buy Gabapentin over the counter?
No, Gabapentin is a prescription medication, which implies you should have a valid prescription from a doctor or psychiatrist if you intend to purchase this drug in a pharmacy.