There are a large number of medications created for a specific purpose and that have subsequently proven to be highly effective for a completely different purpose. This is the case of gabapentin
This antiepileptic medication has proven to be of great help in people with neuropathic pain due to its analgesic effects. Below we describe its properties, precautions and side effects.
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 benzodiazepines have. In addition, it is a medication very well tolerated by practically all patients.
What is it for?
The main applications of gabapentin, in any of its formats, have to do with the control of certain types of seizures suffered by people with epilepsy Specifically, seizures are reduced by reducing or controlling abnormal excitation of the brain.
Likewise, both the capsules, tablets and 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 is presented in prolonged-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,
Regarding less common uses, the effectiveness of gabapentin in preventing frequent migraines has been confirmed, 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 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 affirms 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 be carried out always following the recommendations of the doctor who prescribes them; avoiding increasing or decreasing doses independently nor should it be taken more frequently than indicated,
Although gabapentin is extremely effective in controlling the symptoms of certain disorders or conditions, it does not have the ability to cure it Therefore, it is of vital importance that the patient does not stop taking the medication even if he feels that he feels better or that his symptoms have subsided, if the doctor has not instructed him to do so.
If the patient decides on their own to stop taking this medication, it is very possible that they will end up suffering a series of symptoms related to the withdrawal syndrome such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea or excessive sweating.
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 to this medicine or any of its active ingredients.
Although there are only animal studies of the effects of gabapentin during pregnancy, its prescription during pregnancy is not recommended with the sole exception that the benefit for the pregnant woman is greater than the possible risks for 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 is sure of the effects that this medication has on their 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 can experience mood changes, irritation, 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 inform the specialist doctor of any allergies, consumption of other medications or organic diseases or conditions that he or she suffers from.
Gabapentin Side Effects
Between the most common side effects after administration of gabapentin There are dizziness, drowsiness or peripheral edema, which refers to inflammation of the extremities.
A strange but quite striking adverse effect of gabapentin consists of the genesis and development of suicidal ideations 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 just one week after starting treatment.
If the patient has any questions or concerns about the side effects of this drug, it is recommended that they go to the doctor who prescribed it or their trusted pharmacist to resolve all types of issues.
