Gabapentin is a widely used anticonvulsant drug for treating epileptic seizures. It also used to alleviate pain brought about by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Gabapentin, available in pill, capsule and liquid forms, prescribed among patients is 300mg taken once or twice a day depending on the condition to be treated. The medication’s main function is promoting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter level in the brain. This article explains all the uses of Gabapentin 300mg as well as the risks and precautions to take.
Uses of Gabapentin 300mg
1. Epilepsy
Gabapentin is administered as part of epilepsy treatment regimen. Individuals suffering from epilepsy experience seizures due to uncontrolled electrical activity within the brain. The presence of Gabapentin stabilizes the electrical activity and lessens the instances of seizures. Physicians may prescribe the anticonvulsant together with other anti-epileptic drugs.
2. Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
- Shingles
Shingles refer to the instance when a person experiences chicken pox-triggered flare-ups despite recovering from the disease. The National Institutes of Health stated that shingles is caused by remaining traces of varicella-zoster virus after suffering from chicken pox. The occurrence of shingles cause itching, pain and tingling. Also known as postherpetic neuralgia, the pain is brought by nerve damages and may last for months, and in several cases, even years. Gabapentin 300mg is one of the antiepileptic drugs prescribed as treatment for shingles-induced pain.
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Many diabetic individuals experience neuropathy. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse defined neuropathy as the condition where irreparable or irreplaceable nerves are damaged, resulting to stinging pain that often comes with a burning sensation and tingling. Also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the pain often occurs on a diabetes patient’s extremities like arms, hands, legs and feet. In most cases, patients feel this persistent, stinging pain on their feet. MayoClinic.com stated on one of its report that doctors prescribe Gabapentin 300mg for pain relief brought by diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Notes
Take Gabapentin 300mg as indicated on the pharmacy label found on the pack. Dosage information and indications noted on the label are according to what the physician prescribed according to the patient’s condition. Avoid changing the dosage or the number of times the medication should be taken in as it may cause adverse effects. Patients are advised to consult with their primary care provider if they feel that the current dosage presents side effects. The prescriber is the only one who can change the dosage and treatment regimen to prevent negative effects.
Who Should Not Be Prescribed Gabapentin 300mg?
Despite its proven positive effects, Gabapentin is not advisable for everyone. Some patients with certain medical conditions should not take this medication in their treatment regimen. The primary care provider must take note of the patient’s complete medical history. In addition, patients must provide precise information about their medical history for physicians to assess their conditions accurately.
Primary care providers may prescribe Gabapentin with special instructions or not recommend it at all for patients with the following conditions:
- Elderly patients or children
- Underweight patients
- Allergic reactions to components formulated in the medication
- Undergoing hemodialysis or suffering from kidney issues
- Patients who undergone organ transplant
Gabapentin’s effect may also change after some time for some patients. Patients must consult their physicians once they felt that the medication became unsuitable for them or if it showed other effects than what they expect.
Interactions of Gabapentin 300mg
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is known to interact with numerous medications. However, there’s no documented interactions between this medication and alcohol.
2. Diet
Medications have different components and they may interact with specific foods. Interactions brought about by food and medications can be harmful, and in some cases, fatal for patients. As for Gabapentin, there are no specific food to avoid or diet plan to follow in taking this medication.
3. Pregnancy
Taking medications can affect fetal development. According to resources, Gabapentin 300mg can only be taken if advised by the physician. Doctor-patient conference must also be conducted to discuss whether this medication can be administered or not. In case the pregnant patient decided not to take Gabapentin, both parties must also discuss alternatives to take in for treatment.
4. Breastfeeding
Infants can take in the medication through breast milk. Breastfeeding women can only take Gabapentin if prescribed by physician. Prior to breastfeeding, the patient must discuss this procedure with their doctors and know possible alternatives that make breastfeeding possible. Do not cease taking this medication without taking advice from your primary care provider.
5. Other Medications
Interactions in between medications also occur depending on their components. Patients must inform their doctors about all the medications they are currently taken in to know whether Gabapentin can be prescribed. According to resources, Gabapentin may interact with cimetidine and morphine. Moreover, it may also interact with antacids with magnesium or aluminum as their components.
6. Supplements
Similarly with medications, Gabapentin components may also interact with vitamins and supplements. Patients must also inform their physicians about their supplements and learn potential effects or if they can be taken in together. In case side effects were observed in combining the medication and supplements, the patient must contact their doctors immediately for workarounds.
What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin 300mg?
1. Depression and Harmful Thoughts
Gabapentin 300 may trigger harmful thoughts like suicidal thoughts and depression. Consulting the physician immediately is necessary once depression or suicidal thoughts occurred while on medication or if they manifested when dosage or treatment regimen changes.
2. Dizziness and Headaches
Headaches and dizziness occur as the body adjusts to the presence of Gabapentin for treatment. These may cease after some time, but physicians may recommend over the counter medications in case these conditions affect a patient’s daily activity.
3. Weakness and Drowsiness
Feeling fatigued or sleepy are also among the common effects of being under this medication. Patients can take a nap and sleep longer to stay awake all day.
4. Diarrhea, Nausea and Constipation
Altering diet plan may relieve these gastrointestinal effects. Take in more fruits, fiber-rich foods, and vegetables for constipation relief. Bland diet served in smaller meal servings can prevent instances of diarrhea and nausea. Primary care provider may also recommend some over the counter medication to relieve these effects.
