Gabapentin– Medication for Treating Epilepsy and Nerve Pain

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for treating seizures caused by Epilepsy. It efficiently reduces the electrical activity in the brain to prevent seizures. This medication is also used for treating nerve pain. Nerve pain induces a sensation similar to burning and electrical shock, in the affected area. Gabapentin works effectively on nerve pain by blocking the communication of pain signals between the brain and the body. Gabapentin does not fall in the category of controlled medicines. However, constant medical supervision is strictly recommended for safe treatment.

Gabapentin is a prescribed medication and it is illegal to use or buy this medication without a prescription. Therefore, to buy Gabapentin online, a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional is mandatory. Also, before purchasing the medication ensure that the pharmacy has a valid license to sell prescribed medicines.

Different uses of Gabapentin

Gabapentin can be used for the following conditions:

• Seizures caused by Epilepsy
  • Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that disrupts electrical signals in the brain leading to seizures. Gabapentin effectively reduces this disruption of electrical signals which helps in preventing seizures.

• Neuropathic Pain
  • Studies show that the use of Gabapentin can effectively provide relief from neuropathic pain in adults.

• Restless Leg Syndrome
  • There is no substantial evidence to show how gabapentin works for RLS. However, patients with RLS show significant improvement with the use of this medicine.

• Dental treatment pain
  • Our mouth is filled with sensitive nerves, which can get affected during dental procedures like Root Canal Treatment. In some cases, this can lead to severe nerve pain. Gabapentin is prescribed to effectively reduce this pain after the procedure.

• Alcohol Withdrawal
  • The use of Gabapentin can help to reduce the craving for alcohol and it can also help in dealing with alcohol withdrawals. Patients with alcohol disorder also show a significant improvement with the help of Gabapentin.

• Anxiety Disorders
  • Gabapentin induces a calming sensation in the brain. Due to this, it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders and social phobia.

• Opioid alternative
  • Gabapentin can be used as an alternative to opioid medication like Tramadol for relieving nerve-related pain. However, opioids are still significantly better at managing other types of pain.

• Postherpetic Neuralgia
  • Studies conclude that treating postherpetic neuralgia with Gabapentin results in effective pain management. The use of this medication also improves the quality of life and provides good sleep.

It is important to note that, even though Gabapentin shows promising results for these conditions, the benefits of this medicine for your particular condition may vary. Therefore, do not use the medication based on the improvement shown in the other’s condition. Only take the medication after doctors prescribe it to you. Because, before prescribing Gabapentin, doctors will examine your case and see if the medication will be beneficial for you or not.

How does Gabapentin provide relief?

Gabapentin provides relief from seizures by reducing the electrical activity in the brain. Our brain has excitatory neurotransmitters which play a significant role in causing seizure attacks. Gabapentin works by ultimately reducing the release of these excitatory neurotransmitters.

Gabapentin provides pain relief by changing the way our brain reacts to pain. It interferes with the communication of pain signals between the central nervous system and the body. This in turn reduces pain providing a calm and relaxing feel.

Who should be careful when taking Gabapentin?

The use of Gabapentin can cause more harm than benefits in some patients. It is important to consult with your doctors before using the medication. Be extra cautious while taking Gabapentin if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergic to gabapentin or its ingredients
  • It is best to avoid Gabapentin if you are allergic to the medicine or any ingredient present in the medicine.

• Suicidal thoughts
  • The use of this medicine may increase the severity of suicidal thoughts. If you have suicidal thoughts or severe depression, make sure that your doctor knows about it.

• Kidney problems
  • This medication may increase toxicity in kidney patients suffering from chronic disease.

• Drug abuse history
  • If you have a history of drug abuse, avoid Gabapentin medication. Patients with a drug abuse history are more likely to develop addiction and dependence on the medication. In such cases, it is advised to avoid Gabapentin or use it under strict medical supervision.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
  • There are risks associated with Gabapentin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only use the medicine if its benefits outweigh the risks. To ensure the safety of the infants, constantly monitor the infant’s health after starting the medication.

Available forms of Gabapentin and their Dosage

Gabapentin is available in the following forms:

• Capsules
  • Dosage available: 100mg, 300mg, 400mg

• Tablets
  • Dosage available: 600mg, 800mg

• Extended-release tablet(Horizant)
  • Dosage available: 300mg, 450mg, 600mg, 750mg, 900mg

• Oral solution
  • Dosage available: 250 mg/5mL

All these forms of Gabapentin are taken by mouth, with or without food based on your personal preference. Take the medicine 3 times a day and make sure to take it at regular intervals. Also, keep in mind that the gap between the doses should not exceed more than 12 hours.

In the case of Extended-release tablets, take one tablet per day. This form of Gabapentin is sold under the name of Horizant. Also, do not use the extended-release tablets unless the doctors specifically prescribe this form.

Important Note: While using the oral solution of Gabapentin, it is strictly advised to use a volume-marked container. Using household spoons for measuring the solution can lead to under or overdosing.

Side Effects of Using Gabapentin

Side effects are often associated with the use of strong medicine like Gabapentin. The severity and frequency of these side effects depend on the patient’s physical and mental health. Avoiding these side effects is an important part of the treatment. The list below contains the possible side effects of Gabapentin:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Frequent headaches
• Fever and shivering
• Feeling tired and Dizziness
• Lack of coordination and Balance-related problems

These above are common side effects that are generally experienced at the start of the treatment. They gradually reduce over time as your body gets used to the medication. These side effects can be treated at home with a professional’s advice. However, there are some severe side effects of using Gabapentin which can be life-threatening in some cases. Severe side effects associated with Gabapentin are listed below:

• Mental dependence on medication
• Increase of Suicidal thoughts and severe mood changes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Severe swelling
• Allergic reactions, rash, itching

These severe side effects are caused by inappropriate use of the medicine which includes:

• Taking more than the prescribed dosage
• Using the medicine with opioids and alcohol
• Previous health-related conditions

The result of these severe side effects can be life-threatening. To avoid these severe adverse effects, use the medication under constant medical supervision. A doctor will constantly monitor the changes in your health. This helps in detecting any serious health problems in the early stage. Detecting these adverse effects in the early stage can help to avoid fatal consequences. If you experience any of the above severe side effects, contact the emergency helpline immediately.

Note from Dentis Healthcare

A patient may experience nerve pain after dental procedures. This can be due to poor oral health or failed dental treatments. Our mouth contains sensitive nerves and during dental procedures, these nerves are exposed which can lead to nerve pain. Gabapentin effectively blocks the pain signals of this nerve pain, providing relief.

According to the professionals at Dentis Healthcare, the severity of pain after dental treatment mostly depends on the patient’s oral health. The choice of using prescribed medication for managing this pain can be beneficial if there is an immediate need for pain relief. However, our professionals are also well aware of the risks involved with the use of prescribed medications. Therefore, we provide experience-based consultancy before prescribing the medication. In addition to the consultancy, our professionals also provide important aftercare instructions. This helps patients to get a safe treatment and avoid complications.

Conclusion

Gabapentin is primarily prescribed for preventing seizures caused by Epilepsy. This is an effective medication that prevents seizure attacks by reducing the electrical activity in the brain. It is also used for other conditions including restless leg syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, neuropathic pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. A person may experience some side effects after taking the medicine. However, the life-threatening risks of this medicine are rare and generally, caused by its misuse. 

For a safe treatment follow the prescribed dosage and take all the necessary precautions. Choosing a licensed pharmacy is also an important part of a safe treatment. You can buy Gabapentin online as it is more convenient and also offers easy accessibility. While purchasing the medicine ensure that the pharmacy has a valid license to sell prescribed medicine. Avoid websites that sell the medication without asking for a prescription or offer huge discounts. Both of these are an indication of fake, expired or tampered-with medicine.