Gabapentin: Uses, Precautions, and Side Effects

There are a large number of medications created for a specific purpose and which have subsequently been highly effective for a completely different one. This is the case of gabapentin.

This antiepileptic drug has been found to be of great help in people with neuropathic pain due to its pain-relieving effects. Below we describe its properties, precautions and side effects.

• Related article: "Psychoactive drugs: drugs that act on the brain"

What is gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a drug that was initially created to intervene in the treatment of epilepsy. However, over time it was discovered that it was also effective as a treatment for pain, especially for pain with a neuropathic cause.

Its main advantage over benzodiazepines used to treat epilepsy is that, unlike them, gabapentin has the property of improving sleep considerably and without the risk of addiction that the benzodiazepines. In addition, it is a very well tolerated drug by practically all patients.

What is it for?

The main applications of gabapentin, in any of its formats, have to do with

controlling certain types of seizures suffered by people with epilepsy. Specifically, seizures decrease by reducing or controlling abnormal excitation of the brain

Likewise, both the capsules, the tablets or the oral solution are very effective in treatment of pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia, since gabapentin alters the way the body experiences pain.

Another of its formats, which comes in prolonged-release tablets, is used in the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome, which generates in the person a deep affliction in the legs that is accompanied by an urgent need to move them continuously,

Regarding the less common uses, the effectiveness of gabapentin has been verified in the prevention of migraines frequent, and for the treatment of nystagmus, which causes involuntary and uncontrollable eye movements. However, these uses have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Finally, despite having generated some controversy, gabapentin has been tried to be used as a treatment for bipolar disorder, since some studies affirm that this generates fewer adverse effects than other medications, such as lithium, for this disorder. However, most research claims that this medication is not much more effective than the placebo used in them.

How is this medication administered?

As mentioned above, there are several formats in which gabapentin is presented. These are: dragees, capsules, long-acting capsules and oral solution.

It is always advisable that the administration of this medication is carried out always following the recommendations of the physician who prescribes it; avoiding increasing or decreasing doses independently, nor should it be taken more frequently than indicated,

Although gabapentin is highly effective in controlling the symptoms of certain disorders or conditions, this does not have the ability to cure it. Therefore, it is vitally important that the patient does not stop taking the medication even if they perceive that they feel better or that their symptoms have subsided, if the doctor has not indicated so.

If the patient decides on his own to stop taking this medication, it is very possible that he will end up suffering a series of withdrawal-related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or sweating excessive.

Precautions

There are a number of situations or people in which the use of gabapentin is not recommended, starting with those patients who have manifested some type of hypersensitivity this medicine or any of its active substances.

Although there are only animal studies on the effects of gabapentin during pregnancy, its use is not recommended. prescription during this with the sole exception that the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the possible risks to the fetus.

Also, due to the sedative effects of gabapentin, this May cause drowsiness, dizziness or lack of coordination, problems that tend to be aggravated by alcohol consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid driving any type of vehicle or machinery, at least until the patient ascertains the effects that this medication has on his body.

Regarding its effect on children, gabapentin can alter their behavior and abilities during the period in which it is administered. It is necessary to take into account that minors may experience mood swings, irritability, hyperactivity or concentration problems. Therefore, adult supervision is necessary in any activity that the child carries out.

Although only the most important ones are mentioned here, there are many precautions to take into account before taking gabapentin. Therefore, the patient must notify the specialist doctor of any allergies, consumption of other medications or diseases or organic conditions that he suffers.

Gabapentin Side Effects

Between the most common side effects after gabapentin administration there are dizziness, drowsiness or peripheral edema, which refers to swelling of the extremities.

Other common side effects are:

• Muscular weakness.
• headaches.
• Tremors.
• Anxiety.
• Memory problems.
• Acidity.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Changes in appetite.
• Itchy eyes.

A strange but rather striking adverse effect of gabapentin consists of the genesis and development of suicidal ideation in patients suffering from epilepsy or some other type of mental illness or disorder. This trend occurs in approximately 1 in 500 people and tends to appear as soon as a week after starting treatment.

If the patient has any questions or concerns about the side effects of this drug, it is It is recommended that you go to the doctor that was prescribed or your trusted pharmacist to resolve all kinds of issues.