What is Gabapentin? Let's learn everything about this medicine in simple terms

Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Gabapentin ? Maybe it's for chronic nerve pain, epilepsy, or restless legs. When you hear this name, you might be a little scared, wondering, "What kind of medication is this?" But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medication, how it works, what good and bad things it can do, and what you need to be careful about when using it. Everything is very simple and easy to understand.

What exactly is Gabapentin?

Simply put, gabapentin is a prescription-only medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called ``anticonvulsants.'' That is, a type of medication that is given to control conditions like epilepsy .

But that's not all it's used for. It will become clearer to you if you understand how it works. There is a natural chemical in our brain that controls the unnecessary stimulation of neurons . It is called Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ( GABA ). Sometimes our neurons become overactive. That's what happens in epilepsy and nerve pain.

Now, this gabapentin drug does something similar to the action of `GABA`. That is, it calms down the nerve cells that are unnecessarily excited and stimulated. Because it calms down the nerves in this way, this drug can control epileptic conditions and some nerve pain.

For what conditions do doctors prescribe Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is primarily approved to treat three conditions.

• To control partial seizures: This medication is used to control seizures that start in one specific part of the brain. Gabapentin can be prescribed for children over 3 years of age and adults.
• For nerve pain caused by shingles: This needs a little explanation. Do you remember chickenpox as a child? The virus that causes chickenpox remains dormant in our nerves after we recover. Years later, it mayStress , illness , and other factors can cause the virus to reactivate, causing painful shingles. Even after the herpes has cleared, some people still experience severe, burning, or electric- like nerve pain. This is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Gabapentin is a very effective treatment for this pain.
• Restless Legs Syndrome: This is a condition where the legs feel uncomfortable, itchy, and crawling, especially when trying to sleep at night. This discomfort makes it very difficult to fall asleep. Gabapentin is also used for this condition.

What dosages and forms does this medicine come in?

Gabapentin comes in different forms and doses. Your doctor will decide which form and dose to prescribe based on your condition and physical condition.

In Sri Lanka, this medicine may come under different brand names. Check the prescription that your doctor gave you. It may have another brand name along with the generic name ``Gabapentin``.

How to use Gabapentin correctly?

To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.

• Take your medicine on time: Some brands say to take it with food, while others say it doesn't matter whether you take it before or after a meal. For example, Gralise says to take it with an evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly as they tell you.
• Do not break the tablets: In most cases, these tablets should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. They should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. (Some brands, like Neurontin, can be broken in half. Ask your doctor about this and make sure.)
• Measure liquid medicine: If you are using liquid medicine, use only the measuring cup or syringe that comes with it to measure the correct amount. Do not use household teaspoons, as the amount may vary.
• Be careful with antacids: If you are taking an antacid (e.g. Maalox, Mylanta, Di-Gel) for gastritis, you should wait at least two hours after taking it before taking gabapentin. Failure to do so may reduce the absorption of gabapentin.
• Follow your doctor's instructions exactly: The most important thing is to always take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the prescribed time, and in the prescribed amount.

Serious Side Effects to Watch Out For

Like any medicine, gabapentin can cause side effects in some people. If you experience any of these serious side effects, you should call your doctor immediately.

What are the common side effects?

These are not as severe as the ones mentioned above, but they are common side effects.

• Drowsiness, feeling tired
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Difficulty speaking
• Frequent infections
• Memory loss
• Weight gain
• Loss of balance, tremors, jerky movements
• Abnormal eye movements, double vision

These side effects often subside as your body gets used to the medication. However, if they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor.

Can gabapentin interact with other medications?

Yes, this is a very important point. Gabapentin can have dangerous effects when taken with certain other medications.

In particular, taking gabapentin with medications that cause drowsiness or intoxication can be dangerous. Because gabapentin also causes drowsiness, when taken together with these medications, breathing can become very slow and even life-threatening.

The medications that increase this risk are:

• Narcotic opioids for severe pain
• Anxiety medication
• Some medications for depression
• Some types of antihistamines for coughs, colds, and allergies
• Alcohol

This risk is even higher for people over the age of 65 and those with lung conditions (e.g., COPD).

If these symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately!

If you experience these symptoms when taking gabapentin with another sleep-inducing medicine, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.

• Inability to concentrate, desperation
• Unusual dizziness
• Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
• Unresponsiveness
• Blue lips, fingertips, and nails

Other important things to know when taking gabapentin

• Avoid driving: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, you should avoid dangerous activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
• Do not drink alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking gabapentin. Alcohol can greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication.
• What if you miss a dose?: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is within a few hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Things to tell your doctor before starting medication

For your safety, be sure to tell your doctor this information before starting gabapentin.

• If you have lung or breathing problems.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.
• If you have had mental health problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts in the past.
• If you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Most importantly: Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are currently taking (including medications prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal products).

Is gabapentin a drug? Can it be addictive?

This is a question that many people ask.

Gabapentin is not a ``narcotic''. Nor is it an ``opioid'' type of painkiller. It is not classified as a controlled drug in Sri Lanka.

Generally, if taken as prescribed by your doctor, in the dosage prescribed, it is not addictive. However, there have been reports of some people using this medicine incorrectly, in overdose, to get high. Therefore , it is essential to always follow your doctor's instructions. If you have any questions or doubts about this medicine, discuss it with your doctor.

Gabapentin, Neurontin, nerve pain, epilepsy, side effects, medication in Sinhala