Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Gabapentin Enacarbil for nerve pain or Restless Legs Syndrome. The name may sound a little unfamiliar to you. But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about what this medication is, what it actually does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works by calming the nerves in our nervous system that sometimes become overactive. If you have persistent nerve pain, perhaps due to diabetes or another cause, this medicine can help control that pain.
Similarly, some people have a condition where they cannot sleep due to a strange restlessness in their legs when they go to bed at night. We call that Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This medicine is also used for that condition.
The most important thing is that this is an Extended-Release pill. This means that this medicine is not absorbed into the body all at once, but is released into the body over a period of hours. That is why its effect lasts throughout the day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor needs to know some specific information about you. This is important for your safety. If any of the items in the table below apply to you, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have an addiction to alcohol or drugs | Taking this medicine with alcohol can severely increase drowsiness and dizziness. |
| If you have kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. So if your kidneys are not functioning properly, your dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have a lung or respiratory disease | Rarely, there may be an increased risk of respiratory distress. |
| If you or a family member has had suicidal thoughts/attempts | This medication can increase depression or suicidal thoughts in some people, so it is important to let your doctor know about this. |
| Allergies to other medications and foods | This is important to know if you are allergic to Gabapentin or any other ingredients in the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should discuss the effects of the medication during pregnancy with your doctor and make a decision. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should talk to your doctor about that as well. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take with a meal: Always take this medicine with a meal. Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so will disrupt the process of releasing the medicine, and you may receive a higher dose at once.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine every day, at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Don't stop suddenly: This is very important. Never stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause you to experience discomfort. If you do stop, do so as per your doctor's instructions, gradually reducing the dosage.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. Don't take the medicine at the time you missed it. When it's time for your next dose, take only the prescribed dose. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not waste time and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It's very important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking while taking this medicine - including other medications, vitamins, traditional medicine, and even alcohol and cigarettes if you drink. Some things can interact with this medicine.
- Alcohol: This is the main one. Drinking alcohol with this medication can make drowsiness and dizziness worse. So it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Medications that cause drowsiness/calming: Antihistamines, medications for anxiety or sleep, some antidepressants, and narcotics can increase drowsiness when taken with this medication.
- Medications for other diseases: Some medications for seizures and some medications for stomach problems may also interact with this.
- Things related to surgery: If you are having surgery, you should definitely tell the anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
When using this medicine, it's a good idea to pay attention to changes in your body.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or slightly blurred vision . So, avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how it affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, do not get up or sit down suddenly to avoid dizziness.
- Pay attention to your mental health: This is very important. Some people may develop new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts when starting this medication, especially in the early stages. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in your mood, behavior, irritability, or agitation.
- Severe skin reactions: Very rarely, some people may have a severe allergic reaction to this medicine. These may occur even weeks after starting the medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red/purple rashes on your body along with symptoms such as fever, chills, or a rash that looks like it is peeling off your skin, or if you develop a rash on your face, lips, neck, or armpits .
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking small amounts of water throughout the day can help.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Fever and chills accompanied by swelling | This may be a sign of a serious condition. |
| Suicidal thoughts or depression | Sudden changes in mood, feelings, or behavior. |
| Difficulty breathing | Breathing becomes slow or difficult. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Dizziness | This may decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Drowsiness | It may last for several hours after taking the medicine. |
| Headache | This is usually temporary. |
Take-Home Message
- Gabapentin Enacarbil is a medication used to treat nerve pain and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). It works by calming overactive nerves.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, other medications you are taking, and habits such as alcohol.
- Always take the medicine with a meal. Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing it.
- Avoid driving until your body adjusts to the medication, as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drinking alcohol can make this effect worse.
- If you experience any serious symptoms such as severe skin rashes, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or suicidal thoughts, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
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