Gabapentin is a drug to relieve seizures in people with epilepsy. This drug is available in capsule form and should only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Gabapentin is a type of anticonvulsant or anticonvulsant drug. This drug works by affecting the nerves and chemicals in the body that cause spasms and pain. It should be noted that gabapentin cannot cure epilepsy, but only controls seizures as long as it is taken regularly.
In addition to relieving spasms, gabapentin is also used to relieve nerve pain that occurs after experiencing herpes.
Trademark: Alpentin, Epiven, Gabapentin, Gabasant 300, Gabatin, Gabesco, Gabexal, Galepsi, Ganin, Nepatic, Neurontin, Neurosantin, Opipentin, Repligen, Simtin, Cypentin, Tineuron
What's that Gabapentin?
| group | Antiseizure and neuropathic pain reliever |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves spasms and neuropathic pain, including those caused by herpes |
| Consumed by | Adults and children ages ≥ 6 years |
| Gabapentin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Gabapentin is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Warning Before Taking Gabapentin:
- Do not use gabapentin if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Before using gabapentin, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially kidney disease, mental disorders, respiratory problems, and alcohol and drug abuse.
- If you have epilepsy taking gabapentin, check with your doctor while using this drug, especially in the first few months, so that your doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
- Gabapentin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive to do activities that require alertness after taking this drug.
- If you are taking medications that contain aluminum or magnesium, such as antacids, allow at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking gabapentin.
- If you experience an allergic reaction or overdose after taking this medicine, see a doctor immediately.
Dose and Rules of Use Gabapentin
Determination of the dose of gabapentin depends on the condition suffered by the patient. The following is a general dosage of gabapentin use for adult patients based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition: seizures due to epilepsy
300 mg once a day on the first day, 300 mg twice a day on the second day, and 300 mg 3 times a day on the third day. The dose may be increased by 300 mg every 2-3 days, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
- Condition: nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
300 mg once a day on the first day, 300 mg twice a day on the second day, and 300 mg 3 times a day on the third day. The dose may be increased by 300 mg every 2-3 days, depending on the patient's response. The maximum dose is 3600 mg per day.
- Condition: nerve pain after herpes
The initial dose is 600 mg once a day, taken in the morning, then the dose is increased to 600 mg 2 times a day.
- Condition: restless leg syndrome
600 mg once a day, taken at 5 pm.
To treat seizures due to epilepsy in children older than 6 years, the initial dose given is 10-15 mg/kgBW. The maximum dose is 50 mg/kg body weight.
Gabapentin Interaction with other drugs
The use of gabapentin together with other drugs can cause interactions. The drugs in question are:
- Opioid pain relievers, such as morphine. The effect is an increased risk of central nervous system depression, such as drowsiness and respiratory system disorders.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. Its effect is to decrease the absorption of gabapentin.
- Cimetidine. Its effect is to decrease the excretion of gabapentin from the kidneys.
Method Taking Gabapentin Correctly
Make sure you read the directions on the package before taking Gabapentin. Use gabapentin as directed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose and duration of treatment, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Swallow the gabapentin capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules before swallowing. Gabapentin can be taken with food, or as directed by a doctor.
Take gabapentin at the same time each day to maximize the benefits of the drug. For patients taking gabapentin 3 times a day to control seizures, ensure that the interval between doses is no more than 12 hours.
If you forget to take the drug gabapentin, use it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Continue to take gabapentin even if your condition improves. Do not stop taking gabapentin suddenly without your doctor's knowledge.
Gabapentin Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the common side effects after taking gabapentin are:
- Sleepy
- Changes in behavior
- Difficult to concentrate
- Headache
- Body tired easily
- Eye movement disorders
- Blurred vision
- Tremor
Immediately see a doctor if while using gabapentin side effects appear, such as allergic reactions, depression, desire to harm yourself or others, and shortness of breath.