Gabapentin 100 mg
Generic name – Gabapentin
Drug class – Anticonvulsants – also called ant seizure drugs and antiepileptic drugs.
Chemical name – 1-(aminomethyl) Cyclohexaneacetic acid.
Uses – decrease in the abnormal excitement of the brain and release in the pain of PHN.
Why gabapentin is used?
Gabapentine is a drug that has class – anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are the drugs that are normally used for bipolar disorders, neuropathic pain as well as borderline personality disorders. This pharmacological agent is used in the treatment of epileptic seizures since it acts as a mood stabilizer. In the cases of gabapentin, these drugs are used to treat seizures as they help in normalizing the abnormal excitement in the brain. Normally Gabapentin 100 mg is an ideal dose for relieving the pain in PHN as it helps in changing the way senses pain.
PHN is postherpetic neuralgia that is a chronic condition and causes pain after one gets affected by shingles. Shingles are the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. This infection is caused only by those who have had chickenpox before. It normally causes painful rashes on the body and anyone can develop shingles that had chickenpox.
Gabapentine is an effective drug that helps to reduce daily pain, increase sleep quality. Nerve pain is the common use of Gabapentin 100 following the shingles. Gabapentine drug is used for adults as well as children.
How do Gabapentin works?
Gabapentin is a drug that is anticonvulsant which primarily acts to release pain and help in reducing seizures. Nerve pain is reduced after the intake of gabapentin during the post effects of shingles in adults. Gabapentin is a prescribed drug and is unlikely to get available without a prescription. The dosage of Gabapentin highly depends on the medical condition of the patient and its response to the treatment of a certain disease.
Ideally, a Gabapentin tablet is suggested to take after the evening meal before you sleep directly by mouth. Gabapentin drug is mainly available in oral dosage forms. to avoid the risk of side effects it is suggested to swallow the Gabapentin tablet as a whole. do not chew or crush during the intake of the drug because the release of all the drugs at once causes severe side effects later. Tablets are made in such a way that it dissolves at a certain period of time inside the body to release the drug at a right time. Make sure you don’t crush or break the tablet while consuming and avoid chewing the tablet.
It’s very unlikely for your body to get used to the drug directly, so during the first 2-3 weeks your doctor may prescribe you the Gabapentin 100mg tablet. After the required time, the doses of the tablets gradually increase. This process is to make your body adapt to the conditions of your medication for your body to get relieved.
Brand names at which Gabapentin is made available:
Gratis
Neurontin
Gabapentin is available in the following dosages:
Tablet and capsule
Both adult and pediatric dosage for Gabapentin is available in tablets as well as capsules.
Capsules are available in,
Gabapentin 100mg
Gabapentin 300mg
Tablet dosages are available in,
300mg (Gralise)
600mg (Gralise, Neurontin)
800mg (Neurontin)
Risk factors of gabapentin
In many cases, it has been found that people feel good when they take gabapentin as it increases the sense of relaxation as causes calmness in oneself. some researchers have also reported that the high caused by the drug Gabapentin 400 mg is similar to taking stimulants and has enhanced effects of euphoria similar to talking heroin or other ovoid. If taken in this way, Gabapentine can be risky so it is highly recommended to take it under medical supervision and only when you are prescribed to take it.
Other side effects may also include:
- dizziness
- muscle co-ordination is not normal
- repetition of eye movements
- long period of sleep
- drowsiness
- depression
- constipation
- increased appetite
- runny nose
- Severe itching and many more.
Normally, risk factors and side effects of Gabapentin are not seen when you consume the tablets as suggested. Do not take gabapentin 100mg tablets if not prescribed by a doctor. As many people have experienced well after gabapentin intake, you may also experience this same feeling but avoid intake of gabapentin when told by a doctor.
Side effects of gabapentin are not seen in children below 12 years old. Children of age 3 to 12 years mostly have the side effects of viral infections, fever, nausea or vomiting, hostility, and tiredness. the side effects of gabapentin are normally mild and cause side effects for someday or a week.
General side effects include:
Fever
Viral infections
Nausea
Tiredness
Trouble in speaking
Having jerky movements
Hostility
These are some of the general side effects that last for some days to a couple of weeks but if they last for a longer period of time then a patient must consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Factors to consider:
As it can be addictive because of its relaxation and calm nature, it is suggested to skip the dosage gradually for 1 week or more so as to decrease its side effects and to prevent making it a habit.
Cautions:
It is highly recommended for a patient to skip the dosage of Gabapentin during the medication for a minimum of 1 week or more. Keep a check on yourself that it doesn’t become a habit and if you start noticing it then skip the doses after the doctor’s approval.
It has the same effects consuming ovoids or other narcotic drugs if consumed on higher levels or if it becomes a habit. Depression and suicidal thoughts are some of the common side effects of this drug as it provides relaxation to your mind and a sudden break for the drug can cause the arise of these thoughts. Muscle damage due to inflammation as well as increased levels of blood keratinize is also reported in many cases.
Gabapentine drug can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness so driving and usage of heavy machinery should be avoided. Talk to the doctor or a pharmacist if the side effects last more than a week.
Consult your doctor as soon as possible whenever you see the side effects of the drug apart from the general side effects. Every side effect apart from the general side effects is considered serious.
Following are the serious side effects:
Change in mood and anxiety
Life-threatening allergic effects
Change in behaviors as well as thoughts
Do not wait or do not ignore the issues that arider in these cases as they are considered serious and life-threatening. Regular skipping of the drug is the key to avoid these problems so make sure to consult your doctor and skip the intake of drugs on a regular basis.
Interactions:
Gabapentin has interactions with certain medications. Some people reported on the good effects of drugs while some reported side effects. It all depends on the drugs that you are already consuming. Do not forget to mention the drugs that you are already consuming and when you have to add one more drug in the period of Gabapentin intake, make sure to consult a doctor before intake.
Drugs that relieve pain
Morphine is a drug that helps in relieving the pain in your body but when the intake of the drug is with gabapentin on time or during an interval, it increases the side effects of tiredness.
Drugs on acidity in the stomach
Aluminum Hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are the drugs that are used to treat problems regarding stomach acid but they can reduce the effectiveness of gabapentin as well. Gabapentin is reduced when the intake is with these drugs so it is highly suggested to take Gabapentin after 2-3hours of the intake of these drugs.
