Gabapentin is a medicine to prevent and control seizures. The medicine is also used to relieve nerve pain due to herpes shingles in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsive medicine or antiepileptic.
Gabapentin can also be used to treat other neurological pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and restless leg syndrome.
The dose of gabapentin and the side effects of gabapentin will be explained further below.
What is the rule of Gabapentin?
Drink gabapentin with or without food. The dosage of this medicine is determined based on your health condition and therapeutic response. For children, dosages are also based on body weight.
If you are using a tablet and the doctor recommends to buy it into 2, use half a tablet on the next schedule of the medicine. Dispose of half the tablet if it is not used in a few days after being split. If you are using capsules, swallow the whole capsule directly with plenty of water.
Follow the rules given by the doctor well. During the initial few days of therapy, the doctor may increase the gradual dose so that your body can conform to medicine. To minimize side effects, use the first dose before bedtime.
Use these medicines regularly to get the maximum benefit. The medicine works well when the amount of medication in your body remains at a constant rate. So, use this medicine with approximately the same interval. If you use the medicine 3 times a day to control seizures, never give it a pause of more than 12 hours as seizures may increase.
Do not use these medicines more often or increase the dose without the doctor’s knowledge. Your condition will not improve faster and the risk of side effects may increase.
Do not stop using the medicine without a doctor’s knowledge. Some conditions may deteriorate when the medicine is stopped suddenly. Your dose can be lowered gradually.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of aluminum. So, if you are also using antacids, we recommend that you use Gabapentin at least 2 hours after using antacids.
Other forms of Gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed differently by the body. Do not change the form of medication without the doctor’s knowledge.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or deteriorate.
Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult on your doctor or pharmacist.