Gabapen

Gabapen Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Gabapen is a brand name. Its generic name is Gabapentin.

Introduction

Gabapen is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a pK a1 of 3.7 and a pK a2 of 11. It's structural formula is: C9H17NO2•HCl

Uses For

Gabapen is used to treat partial seizures, post-herpetic neuralgia, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Mechanism of Action

Gabapen binds to calcium channels located in the central nervous system. This action results in a reduction of the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide, which are important for controlling seizures and pain perception.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effects of gabapentin can begin to occur within a few hours of first taking the medication. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks for the full effects to be felt.

Absorption

Gabapen is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1.5-2 hours.

Route of Elimination

Gabapen is primarily eliminated via renal excretion and is eliminated in urine as unchanged drug.

Dosage

The recommended starting dosage of gabapentin is:

• For partial seizures in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: 300mg orally three times a day for the first week; the dosage can then be increased up to a maximum of 2400mg/day.
• For post-herpetic neuralgia in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: the starting dosage is 300mg orally, three times a day; the dosage can then be increased up to a maximum of 2400mg/day.
• For neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older: the starting dosage is 300mg orally, followed by an escalation to 1800mg/day.

Administration

Gabapen should be taken orally with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.

Side Effect

Common side effects of gabapentin include fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, dry mouth or changes in taste, constipation, nervousness, unsteadiness, insomnia, and weight gain.

Toxicity

Gabapen is generally safe and well tolerated, however excessive doses may lead to acute toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include confusion, disorientation, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

Precautions

Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Interaction

Gabapen may interact with other drugs and supplements. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you are taking, as they could affect how gabapentin works. These drugs include, but are not limited to: antacids, opioids, certain antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, or certain calcium channel blockers.

Disease Interaction

Using gabapentin in combination with other drugs that affect central nervous system activity may increase the risk of serious side effects. These drugs include, but are not limited to: cold or allergy medicines, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety.

Drug Interaction

Drug interactions may affect how gabapentin works in your body, and could increase your risk of serious side effects. These interactions include, but are not limited to: certain antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, or certain calcium channel blockers. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you are taking.

Food Interactions

Eating certain foods can increase the absorption of gabapentin, thus increasing the level of the drug in your body, which in turn can increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to avoid foods high in fat or cholesterol when taking this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Gabapen should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If you become pregnant while taking gabapentin, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks.

Lactation Use

It is not known if gabapentin is excreted into human milk. Because of this, it is recommended that if you are breastfeeding, you should not use gabapentin.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include confusion, disorientation, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

Contraindication

Gabapen is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to the drug. It should also be avoided in patients with a history of renal insufficiency, as gabapentin is primarily eliminated via renal excretion.

Use Direction

Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than what is recommended. Taking too much gabapentin can cause serious side effects. If you are taking any other medications or supplements, talk to your doctor before using gabapentin.

Storage Condition

Gabapen should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight at room temperature. Keep it in a tightly closed container.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution is 0.85-1.9 L/kg.

Half Life

The half life of gabapentin is 5-7 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of gabapentin is 210-310 ml/min.

Here you find in details version of Gabapen

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapen

What is Gabapen?

Gabapen is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It is used to treat certain types of seizures and is also used to treat nerve pain associated with various conditions, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

What is Gabapen used for?

Gabapen is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain and to treat restless legs syndrome.

How long does it take for Gabapen to work?

The effects of Gabapen may be seen within 2-3 days. As with any medication, individual response will vary.

How fast does Gabapen work?

The effects of Gabapen usually occur quite rapidly, but as with any medication, individual response will vary.

What are the side effects of Gabapen?

The most common side effects of Gabapen are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Other side effects may include swelling, confusion, depression, and difficulty breathing.

Can Gabapen cause anxiety?

Yes, Gabapen can cause anxiety. If you are experiencing anxiety after taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of side effects.

Can you take Gabapen with alcohol?

It is not recommended to take Gabapen with alcohol. Combining Gabapen with alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Gabapen.

Can you take Gabapen with other medications?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking to avoid possible interactions. Always check with your doctor before taking Gabapen with other medications.

Is Gabapen a narcotic?

No, Gabapen is not a narcotic. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

How long does Gabapen stay in your system?

Gabapen can stay in your system for up to 72 hours after your last dose. However, this time frame can vary depending on several factors, including your age, kidney function, and metabolism.

Is Gabapen an opioid?

No, Gabapen is not an opioid. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Can I take Gabapen while pregnant?

It is not recommended to take Gabapen while pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Gabapen during pregnancy.

Can I take Gabapen while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to take Gabapen while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Gabapen while breastfeeding.

Can Gabapen help with nerve pain?

Yes, Gabapen can be used to treat nerve pain. It is commonly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles.

Does Gabapen cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you are experiencing weight gain while taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can you overdose on Gabapen?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Gabapen. Taking too much Gabapen can cause symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. If you think you have overdosed on Gabapen, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Is Gabapen effective for treating seizures?

Yes, Gabapen is effective for treating certain types of seizures. It is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

What are the long-term effects of Gabapen?

The long-term effects of Gabapen are largely unknown. Common side effects may include increased fatigue, changes in behavior, and dizziness. Rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions and serotonin syndrome.

Can Gabapen cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can I take ibuprofen with Gabapen?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken with Gabapen. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Does Gabapen cause hallucinations?

Yes, hallucinations are a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you experience hallucinations after taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapen affect blood pressure?

Yes, Gabapen may affect blood pressure. Taking Gabapen may increase the risk of low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and light-headedness.

Can I take Tylenol with Gabapen?

Yes, Tylenol can be taken with Gabapen. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Is Gabapen habit forming?

No, Gabapen is not a habit forming medication. However, if you feel like you need to take higher doses then you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapen help with anxiety?

Yes, Gabapen can help with anxiety. It is used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting Gabapen to treat anxiety.

Does Gabapen help with sleep?

Yes, Gabapen can help with sleep. It is used to treat certain types of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

Can I take Gabapen with Xanax?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Xanax. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapen with Wellbutrin?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Wellbutrin. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapen with Prozac?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Prozac. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can Gabapen cause liver damage?

Yes, liver damage is a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you experience any signs or symptoms of liver damage after taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Does Gabapen help with nerve pain?

Yes, Gabapen can help with nerve pain. It is commonly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles.

Does Gabapen cause constipation?

Yes, constipation is a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you experience constipation while taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Can Gabapen cause dizziness?

Yes, dizziness is a possible side effect of Gabapen. If you experience dizziness after taking Gabapen, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting the dosage.

Is Gabapen an anti-inflammatory?

No, Gabapen is not an anti-inflammatory. It is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Can I take Gabapen with Ativan?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Ativan. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapen with Flexeril?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Flexeril. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapen with Tramadol?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Tramadol. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Does Gabapen help with depression?

Yes, Gabapen can help with depression. It is used to treat certain types of depression and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

Does Gabapen help with withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, Gabapen can help with withdrawal symptoms. It is commonly used to treat drug and alcohol withdrawal, as well as nicotine withdrawal.

Can I take Gabapen with Ambien?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Ambien. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

Can I take Gabapen with Zoloft?

Yes, Gabapen can be taken with Zoloft. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications together.

What is the maximum dosage of Gabapen?

The maximum dosage of Gabapen is 1800 mg per day. However, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the best dosage for you.