Gabapentin: uses, precautions and side effects

This drug is widely used for its analgesic effects and in the treatment of epilepsy.

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

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

What is gabapentin?

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

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

What is it used for?

The main applications of gabapentin, in any of its forms, have to do with the control of certain types of seizures suffered by people with epilepsy.. Specifically, seizures are reduced by reducing or controlling the abnormal excitation of the brain.

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

Another of its formats, which is presented in extended-release tablets, is used in the treatment of restless legs syndrome, which generates in the person a deep affliction in the legs that is accompanied by an urgent need to move them continuously,

As for less common uses, gabapentin has been found to be effective in the prevention of frequent Migraine headaches, and for the treatment of nystagmuswhich 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 as a treatment for bipolar disorder, since some studies claim that it generates fewer adverse effects than other medications, such as lithium, for this disorder. However, most research states 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 drug is always carried out following the recommendations of the prescribing physician; avoid increasing or decreasing the doses independently of the prescribing physician.It should not be taken more frequently than indicated,

Although gabapentin is highly effective in controlling the symptoms of certain disorders or conditions, it does not have the ability to cure them. does not have the capacity to cure it.. Therefore, it is of vital importance that the patient does not stop taking the medication even if he/she perceives that he/she feels better or that his/her symptoms have subsided, if the physician has not instructed him/her to do so.

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

Precautions

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

Although there are only animal studies on the effects of gabapentin during pregnancy, its prescription during pregnancy is not recommended, except when the benefit to the pregnant woman is greater than the possible risks to the fetus.

Also, due to the sedative effects of gabapentin, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lack of coordination, problems that tend to worsen.These problems 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 is sure of the effects that this drug has on his body.

As regards its effect on children, gabapentin may alter their behavior and abilities during the period in which it is administered. It is necessary to take into account that minors may experience changes in mood, irritation, hyperactivity, hyperactivity, etc. 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 should inform the specialist physician of any allergy, consumption of other medications or diseases or organic conditions he/she may suffer from.

Side effects of gabapentin

Visit the most common side effects following the administration of gabapentin include dizziness, drowsiness or peripheral edema, which refers to swelling of the extremities.

Other common side effects include:

• Muscle weakness..
• Headaches.
• Tremors.
• Anxiety.
• Memory problems..
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• Fever.
• changes in appetite
• itchy eyes

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

If the patient has any doubts or concerns about the side effects of this drug, it is advisable to consult the doctor who prescribed it or the pharmacist he/she trusts to resolve all kinds of questions.