Gabapentin is a prescription medicine. It is primarily used for the treatment of Neuropathic Pain, Epilepsy. Gabapentin also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.
The right dosage of Gabapentin depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. Detailed information has been provided in the dosage section.
Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Gabapentin as well, which are listed below. Usually, these side effects of Gabapentin go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.
It is also important to note that Gabapentin has a Moderate effect for pregnant women and Moderate effect on lactating mothers. In addition, Gabapentin's effects on the liver, heart and kidney are discussed below in the Gabapentin related warnings section.
Individuals suffering from medical conditions like Kidney Disease must refrain from the use of Gabapentin since this can cause severe adverse effects. Other conditions have been mentioned below in the Gabapentin contraindications section.
Drug reaction of Gabapentin with other medicines has been reported. See below for a complete list.
In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Gabapentin is not safe while driving, and is is not addictive in nature.
Gabapentin is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| Geriatric |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
| 2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Gabapentin is used -
Moderate
Mild
Is the use of Gabapentin safe for pregnant women?
Gabapentin can have harmful effects in pregnant women. If you experience any discomfort after using Gabapentin, then discontinue the use and take your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Gabapentin safe during breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, you may experience some harmful effects of Gabapentin. In case you experience any of these, discontinue its use until you consult your doctor.
What is the effect of Gabapentin on the Kidneys?
Gabapentin has very mild side effects on the kidneys.
What is the effect of Gabapentin on the Liver?
Gabapentin does not damage the liver.
What is the effect of Gabapentin on the Heart?
Gabapentin is not harmful for the heart.
Gabapentin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Gabapentin unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Gabapentin habit forming or addictive?
You may get addicted to Gabapentin. Therefore, before taking it, consult your doctor.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Gabapentin. So it is best to avoid driving.
Is it safe?
Gabapentin is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, in many cases, taking Gabapentin can help with mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Gabapentin
Taking Gabapentin with food does not harm your health.
Interaction between Alcohol and Gabapentin
Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol while taking Gabapentin as it can have severe side effects.
Gabapentin is a brand name for gabapentin it comes in the form of a tablet (solid unit dosage form), capsule and oral solution. It is a prescription drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-convulsants or antiepileptic drug. It is mainly used in the treatment of neuropathic pain (pain that arises due to damage to the nervous system) and partial seizure in adult and children. It is also used to relieve pain from postherpetic neuralgia.
Gabapentin is safe to use for longer time. Take it as directed by your doctor. Do not discontinue the treatment suddenly or take longer than prescribed duration as advice doctor.
Gabapentin is a prescription drug so do not take it without consulting doctor. It can be harmful to the people to take this medicine without a doctor's advice.
Yes Gabapentin can cause depression. It is known side effect of this drug. It acts on the brain and decreases certain brain activity which results in depression and reduced arousal.
Yes, long-term use of Gabapentin can cause weight gain. It is a known side effect of this drug. It is presumed that it causes weight gain by increasing the appetite as well as sedentary lifestyle also contributes to weight gain. However, the exact cause of weight gain after taking Gabapentin is unknown.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
