Sometimes the doctor prescribes a medication with a strange name that we have never heard of before. Gabapentin may be one such medication. Maybe you have been prescribed this medication for a condition like a seizure, or for severe nerve pain after shingles, or for restless legs at night. Whatever the reason, it is very important for your health to know exactly what medication you are taking. So today, let's talk about Gabapentin in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Gabapentin?
Simply put, our brains contain nerve cells (neurons). Sometimes, when these nerve cells become overstimulated, conditions like seizures or severe pain occur. Our bodies naturally produce a chemical messenger called GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) . This works by calming down those overstimulated nerve cells.
Gabapentin is a drug that mimics the action of GABA. That is, it controls the unwanted stimulation of our nervous system, calms nerve cells, and controls the passage of seizures and pain signals to the brain. This is why this drug belongs to the medical category of 'anticonvulsants'. That is, it is a type of drug that is given to control conditions such as seizures/fits.
What are the uses of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is mainly prescribed by doctors as a treatment for several medical conditions.
| Disease status | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Controlling a fit (Partial Seizures) | To control and prevent seizures (fits) that start in one part of the brain. It is used in children over 3 years of age and adults. |
| Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) | After shingles, some people are left with severe nerve pain in the area. It feels like an electric shock, like a burning sensation, and it's unbearable. This is what we call Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) . Gabapentin is very helpful in controlling this pain. |
| Restless Legs Syndrome | Some people, especially at night when they are resting, experience a strange restlessness in their legs, an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. This can also disrupt sleep. Gabapentin is also recommended for this condition. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by your doctor. Be careful about these things as well.
- Most Gabapentin brands can be taken with or without food. However, some brands, such as Gralise®, are recommended to be taken with an evening meal. So ask your doctor about this.
- If you are taking the pill, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush the extended-release tablets, especially if they are long-acting. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- If you are taking an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox® or Mylanta®, for gastritis, you should wait at least two hours after taking it before taking Gabapentin. Otherwise, Gabapentin may be less effectively absorbed by the body.
- If the medicine is a liquid (oral solution), use the measuring device (syringe or cup) that comes with it. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons, as this can cause an incorrect dosage.
- Most importantly: Take only the dose prescribed for you, for the time prescribed. Never change the dose or stop taking the medication without asking your doctor.
Does Gabapentin have serious side effects?
Like any medicine, Gabapentin can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, it is important to be aware of some serious symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
| Type of side effect | Features to look out for |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, hives, itching, blistering of the skin, peeling of the skin with or without fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | New or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, restlessness, insomnia, sudden anger, impulsive behavior, confusion, memory problems. |
| Liver problems | Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, vomiting, and unusual bruising or bleeding. |
| Kidney problems | Difficulty urinating, changes in the amount of urine you pass, blood in your urine, swelling in your legs due to fluid retention in the body, and weight gain. |
If you notice any serious symptoms like this, don't just wait and see, but inform your doctor immediately. Sometimes you may even need to go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit).
Common side effects
These are usually not serious and go away in a few days.
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Difficulty speaking
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Uncontrollable gait, tremors
- Double vision problems
If these minor side effects persist or bother you, talk to your doctor about them.
Does Gabapentin cause problems with other medications?
Yes, this is very important. Taking gabapentin with other medications that cause drowsiness or reduce alertness (e.g., narcotic opioids, tranquilizers, and some allergy medications) can cause serious breathing problems .
This risk is especially high for people over the age of 65 and those with lung diseases (e.g. COPD).
Seek medical advice immediately!
If you or someone else taking Gabapentin suddenly experiences confusion, severe dizziness, slow or difficult breathing, difficulty waking up, or blue lips or fingers, go to the emergency room immediately.
Also, avoid drinking alcohol altogether . Combining alcohol and Gabapentin can cause severe drowsiness and dizziness.
Some frequently asked questions
Is Gabapentin a drug?
No. Gabapentin is not a narcotic. Nor is it an opioid. However, there have been reports of abuse by some people.
What happens if you stop taking the medicine suddenly?
Never stop taking Gabapentin suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may make your seizures worse if you are taking it for a seizure. If you are taking it for another condition, your symptoms may return.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What happens if you overdose?
Symptoms of Gabapentin overdose include double vision, slurred speech, and excessive drowsiness. If you suspect that someone has taken too much of this medication, take them to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Gabapentin is a medication mainly used to control seizures and nerve pain.
- Take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without medical advice.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as severe allergic reactions, mental changes, or difficulty breathing.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. Be very careful when taking other medications that cause excessive sleepiness.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, any other medical conditions you have, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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