Gabapentin

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an FDA approved anti epileptic medication that affects nerves and chemicals involved in seizures. The medication may be prescribed for nerve pain associated with herpes virus and shingles. It is also called an anticonvulsant.

What is Gabapentin Used For?

Gabapentin capsules, tablets and oral solutions are basically used to treat certain types of seizures. They are used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, sudden pains that may go on for months or even years following an attack of shingles). The medicine is also used in the treatment of restless legs syndrome (a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs, especially when lying down or sitting).

How Should Gabapentin be Used?

Gabapentin comes in the form of tablets, capsules, extended-release tablets and oral solutions. These are meant to be taken with a full glass of water, with or without food, thrice a day.

This medication should be taken at evenly distributed times during the day and night, with up to 12 hours in between dosages. As for the extended-release tablet, it should be taken with food, once daily around 5 PM, unless advised otherwise. Swallow these extended-release tablets as whole, do not cut or chew them.

Gabapentin may help control your condition but it will not fully cure it. Therefore, do not stop taking this medicine without the consent of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you might experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, pain and sweating.

Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (tingling or numbness due to nerve damage, in people who suffer from diabetes), and to treat hot flashes (sudden feeling of heating up and sweating) common in women who are being treated for breast cancer or have experienced menopause.

What Precautions Should You Take?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, or any other medications you are taking
• Gabapentin is available in different forms, that are taken for different reasons. Be sure to check with your doctor that you are not taking more than one medicine that contains Gabapentin
• Tell your doctor about any vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal products you are using or planning to use
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are on Gabapentin
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how the medicine effects you. It might cause drowsiness and lack of coordination
• Keep in mind that alcohol can worsen the drowsiness caused by this medicine

What are Some of the Side Effects?

Gabapentin, like any other medicine, can cause certain side effects. These include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Double or blurred vision
• Unsteadiness
• Anxiety
• Memory problems
• Nausea
• Strange and unusual thoughts
• Unwanted eye movements
• Heartburn
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
• Weight gain
• Ear pain
• Red, itchy eyes
• Swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs or ankles
• Runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing

Besides these, Gabapentin might cause some very serious side effects that call for a doctor's immediate attention. These include:

• Rashes
• Itching
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the face, throat, lips, tongue or eyes
• Seizures

What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose?

In case you forget a dose, take it as soon as you realize it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose then just take the next dose and continue on with your schedule. Do not try and make up for the lost dose.

How Can I Buy Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription drug. Consult a doctor if you have a medical concern. Upon prescription from a doctor, you can purchase the drug from local pharmacies as well as from online pharmacies such as healthwarehouse.com.