Gabapentin Medicine - Dosage, Side-Effects, Interactions

Gabapentin medicine is a drug or medication used mainly to treat seizures. Here, we are providing information regarding Gabapentin dosage, side effects of Gabapentin, and its classification.

What Is Gabapentin Medicine?

If you are prescribed Gabapentin by the doctor, marketed under the brand name ‘Neurontin’, you must know what Gabapentin is and what are the side effects of this medication. Gabapentin High medicine is used to treat epilepsy, hot flashes, neuropathic pains, and restless leg syndrome. The chemical name of Gabapentin is 1-(aminoethyl) cyclohexane acetic acid, and the molecular formula is C₉H₁₇NO_2.

Gabapentin Medicine Dosage

The Neurontin capsule contains 100mg, 300mg, or 400mg Gabapentin with inactive ingredients- lactose, talc, cornstarch, gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, Red Iron Oxide 400 mg only), and yellow iron oxide (300 and 400 mg only) while Neurontin tablet has 600mg or 800mg of Gabapentin with poloxamer 407, co povidone, candelilla wax magnesium stearate, talc, hydroxypropyl cellulose and cornstarch as inactive ingredients.

Gabapentin Actavis 300mg capsules- Each tablet contains Gabapentin 300 mg with 50.5 mg lactose as monohydrate.

Gabapentin Medicine dosage for epilepsy is divided into three doses in 24 hours, and the power depends upon the individual patient. Usually, Gabapentin medicine 300mg is prescribed three times a day to adolescents and adults above 12 years of age on the first day of the treatment. The dose is increased gradually to 3600mg per day which is reached in 3 weeks.

For children of the age of 6 years and above (epilepsy)

The starting dose is 10/15mg per day, and the maximum effective dose can be reached to 50mg/day by upward titration.

The Gabapentin dosage differs in different diseases, and the patients should be given doses strictly as prescribed by the doctors. Usually, the course begins with lower doses and gradually increases as the treatment proceeds.

Gabapentin Medicine Side Effects

Almost every medicine has side effects, but the doctors prescribe these drugs keeping in mind their benefits. If you face severe side effects of many drugs, you must rush to the doctor immediately and do not try to discontinue the medicine abruptly. The side effects of Gabapentin are mild and tolerable, but sometimes it shows serious side effects in a few individuals. The standard Gabapentin side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, and low energy.

Severe But Rare Side Effects of Gabapentin Medicine

Depression
Loss of memory
Mood changes
Confusion
Somnolence can lead to accidents
The onset of a new type of seizures
Acute Pancreatitis
Anaphylaxis involving swelling of lips, difficulty breathing and hypotension
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour
Multiple organ failures

All the symptoms are not listed here and if you suffer from any of these severe signs and symptoms or any sign not listed here, see your physician or specialist immediately.

Gabapentin Medicine Classification

Gabapentin belongs to the drug class Anti-epileptics.

Does Gabapentin Get You High?

It is said that frequent or continuous use of Gabapentin can cause physical dependence on the medicine. However, do not try to quit all at once otherwise you may face withdrawal symptoms. It is suggested that quitting should be done gradually under medical supervision.

The drug is said to reduce anxiety and provide relaxation. For this reason, the individuals use it to obtain ‘high’. So the answer to the question does Gabapentin get you high is ‘yes’. At times, persons using it claim that medicine makes them feel calm, social, and boosts their mood. Gabapentin is cheap and easily available medicine, so individuals addicted to some other drug earlier might switch to Gabapentin ‘high’ due to obvious reasons.

Interactions Of Gabapentin

Antacids like those containing magnesium or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of Gabapentin. So, it is suggested that there must be at least two hours interval between antacid and Gabapentin dosage. Morphine interferes with the proper functioning of Gabapentin as it may allow your body to absorb more Gabapentin.

Sodium oxy base and other sedating medicine restrict the normal operation of Gabapentin. It may lead to confusion and loss of concentration. Consult your doctor if you are taking other medications or suffering from any mental issues.

Gabapentin Medicine Warnings: Don’t ignore it.

The patients taking this drug in any form (tablets, capsules, or syrup) must keep in mind certain precautions for the proper use of Gabapentin.

Do not suggest this medicine to anyone else having the same symptoms as you have. The drugs should be taken under medical supervision only.
Do not stop taking this medicine unless told by the doctor. The sudden withdrawal of Gabapentin can worsen the condition. The Gabapentin dosage is gradually reduced.
If you are alcoholic or using other medicines that cause drowsiness, ask your doctor for safe use of Gabapentin. The drug can add to the effect of alcohol and other drugs causing sleepiness.
Gabapentin might induce suicidal thoughts in few patients. The doctor should keep a watch on the patients taking the course of Gabapentin as sudden mood change, anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness, etc. can lead to serious issues if not taken seriously.
Some persons may show the life-threatening allergic reaction to Gabapentin. The effects may include swollen lips, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin, swollen lymph nodes, etc. which can lead to complications if not attended immediately.

The use of Gabapentin may be risky for pregnant ladies and breastfeeding mothers. Gabapentin might cause problems to the unborn baby, and it may mix with the breast milk. So, you must discuss with the doctor if you are consuming this medicine and you are pregnant or feeding a baby.

Conclusion about Gabapentin Medicine

Conclusively, you should take Gabapentin only if and when prescribed by the doctor. This information is intended for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Consult your physician about your symptoms, the medicine you are consuming, Gabapentin dosage, your physical and mental condition, the side effects of Gabapentin, and before discontinuing any course of medicine. Your doctor must know everything so to treat you properly and prevent any complications.