Gabapentin (Gralise, Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack, and Neuraptine) is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to treat:
- Seizure disorders
- Postherpetic neuralgia, the pain that comes after an episode of shingles
Off-label uses (uses that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA) for gabapentin include:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Cocaine withdrawal
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Excess sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Hiccups
- Hot flashes
- Restless leg syndrome
Gabapentin Dosage
Gabapentin capsules are usually taken orally three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) with plenty of water, with or without food.
- Gabapentin is available in 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg capsules, and in 600 mg and 800 mg tablets. The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 12 years of age and older is up to 600 mg three times daily. The dose of gabapentin may then be increased gradually if needed to a maximum of 3600 mg each day.
- The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 3 to 11 years of age is based on the patient’s body weight. The usual pediatric dose to control epilepsy is
- 25-35mg per kg per day.
- The dose of gabapentin to treat postherpetic neuralgia is 300 to 900 mg/day. The dose of gabapentin may then be increased gradually if needed to a maximum of 3600 mg each day.
What Are Side Effects of Gabapentin?
Side effects of gabapentin include:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Hostility
- Tremors
- Unsteadiness
- Jerky movements
- Unusual eye movements
- Double vision
- Memory loss
Serious side effects of gabapentin include:
- Viral infections
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Motion sickness
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including gabapentin, have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Tell your doctor if this occurs.
What Are Drug Interactions of Gabapentin?
Drug interactions of gabapentin include:
- Antacids
- Morphine
Can Gabapentin Be Used During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding?
The safety of gabapentin during pregnancy is unknown. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking gabapentin.
Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using gabapentin is not recommended.
From
Brain & Nervous Resources
Image source: iStock Images
https://www.goodrx.com/gabapentin/gabapentin-for-anxiety
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4635.pdf