Gabapentin Side Effects, Precautions, Dosage, and Usage – Gabapentin is a drug to relieve seizures in epileptics. The drug is available in capsule form and should only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.
Gabapentin is a type of anticonvulsant or anti-inflammatory drug. The drug works by affecting nerves and chemical compounds in the body that cause seizures and pain. Keep in mind, gabapentin cannot cure epilepsy, but only control seizures during routine consumption.
In addition to relieving seizures, gabapentin is also used to relieve nerve pain that arises after having herpes.
Precautions Before Taking Gabapentin:
- Do not use gabapentin if you have an allergy to the ingredients contained in this drug.
- Before using gabapentin, tell your doctor the history of diseases you have suffered, especially kidney disease, mental disorders, respiratory disorders, as well as alco**hol and NAP**ZA abuse.
- If you are an epileptic person who is taking gabapentin, check with your doctor during the use of this medication, especially in the first few months, so that the doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
- Gabapentin can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive to do activities that require vigilance after taking this drug.
- If you want to take drugs containing aluminum or magnesium, such as antacids, give a distance of at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor first before taking gabapentin.
- If you experience a drug allergic reaction or overdose after taking this drug, go to the doctor immediately.
Gabapentin dosage & usage
Gabapentin is a drug that belongs to the group of hard drugs so that at each purchase must use a prescription Doctor. Terms of use:
Epilepsy
- Older persons: 300 mg on the 1st day, then 300 mg 2 times a day on the 2nd day, and 300 mg 3 times a day (approximately every 8 hours) on the 3rd day. Further raised according to the response, gradually 300 mg a day (in 3 divided doses) to a maximum of 2.4 grams a day, the usual dose is 0.9-1.8 grams a day.
- Children 6-12 years old (given only by specialists: 10 mg/kg bw on the 1st day, then 20 mg/kg bw on the 2nd day, then 25-35 mg a day (in 3 divided doses, approximately every 8 hours).
- Children 3-5 years: 40 mg/kg/day (in 3 divided doses). The dosage can be increased to 50 mg/kg/day. The time interval of use between doses is not more than 12 hours.
Neuropathic pain
300 mg on the 1st day, then 300 mg 2 times a day on the 2nd day, 300 mg 3 times a day (approximately every 8 hours) on the 3rd day, then increased according to the gradual response of 300 mg per day (in divided doses of 3) to a maximum of 1.8 grams a day.
Gabapentin Side Effects
Gabapentin side effects that are quite mild and common, are:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Breast enlargement
- Dry mouth or
- Loss of balance or coordination.
Tell your doctor of new or worsening symptoms, such as: mood swings, behavior, anxiety, depression, or if you feel irritable, irritable, agitated, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have sui**cidal ideas or self-harm.
Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as:
- Seizures on the rise
- Fever, enlarged glands, body aches, flu symptoms
- Skin rash, easily bruised or bleeding, severe amusing, numbness, pain, weak muscles
- Upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Chest pain, irregular heart rate, tightness.
- Confused, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, less frequently or not urinating
- New or worsening cough, fever, respiratory problems or
- Rapid movement of the eye.
Some side effects are easier to occur in children who use Gabapentin. Contact your doctor if the child using the drug has any side effects:
- Behavior changes
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restless, irritable, or aggressive,
Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Contraindications:
Patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to gabapentin.
Pregnancy Category:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes gabapentin into Category C: Studies in animals have shown adverse effects on fetuses (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. The drug is administered only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.
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