what is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic. it is a structural analog of gammaanino-butyric acid. it binds with the alfha-2-delta subunit of voltage gated l-type calcium channel and inhibits branched chain amino acid transferase and probably inhibits neurotransmitter release of excitatory amino acid.
indication of Gabapentin
epilepsy
- monotherapy and adjunctive treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in patients>12 years or age.
- adjunctive treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in patients>2-12 years or age.
- peripheral neuropathic pain (painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia).
migraine prophylaxis.
Gabapentin dosage and administration
epilepsy
monotherapy and adjunctive treatment in adult:
- initially 300 mg 3 times daily and dose can be increased up to 3600 mg in 3 divided dose.
children (adjunctive therapy only) - 2-6 years: 30-70 mg/kg daily in 3 divided dose.
- 6-12 years: 25-35 mg/kg daily in 3 divided dose.
- 12-18 years: initially 300 mg 3 times daily and dose can be increased up to 900- 3600 mg in 3 divided dose.
peripheral neuropathic pain
adults over 18 years:
- initially 300 mg 3 times daily and dose can be increased up to 3600 mg in 3 divided dose.
migraine prophylaxis: - initially 300 mg 3 times daily. increased according to response up to 2400 mg daily in 3 divided dose. or as directed by the physician.
what is the biggest side effect of gabapentin
Its side effects are a little more than other medicines. The side effects are given below:
- diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, appetite changes, gingivitis, weight gain, hypertension, edema, dyspnoea, cough, confusion, depression.
- hostility
sleep disturbances
headache
dizziness
anxiety
amnesia
dysarthria
nystagmus
tremor
asthenia
paresthesia and
hyperkinesia may occur.
guidance or contraindication of gabapentin
contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to it or to any of the ingredients of the product.
precaution of gabapentin
patients should not drive a car or operate complex machinery until they have gained suffient experiences about gabapentin whether or not it affects their mental and motor performance adversely.
gabapentin drug interaction
not interaction between it and phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, or carbamazepine has been observed. co-administration of gabapentin with oral contraceptives containing norethindrone.
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Epilepsy or Epilepsy (Epilepsy) causes, symptoms, remedies and treatment