There are a large number of medications created for one specific purpose and which have subsequently proved to be very effective for a completely different one. This is the case of gabapentin .

This antiepileptic drug has proven to be very helpful in people with neuropathic pain due to its anagnestic effects. Below we describe its properties, precautions and side effects.

What is gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a drug that was initially created to intervene in the treatment of epilepsy . However, it was eventually found to be effective as a treatment for pain, especially pain with a neuropathic cause.

Its main advantage over the benzodiazepines used to treat epilepsy is that, unlike the latter, gabapentin has the property of considerably improving sleep and without the risk of addiction that benzodiazepines possess. Furthermore, it is a drug that is very well tolerated by practically all patients.

What is it used for?

The main applications of gabapentin, in any of its formats, have to do with the control of certain types of seizures suffered by people with epilepsy . Specifically, seizures are reduced by reducing or controlling abnormal brain arousal

In addition, capsules, tablets or oral solution are very effective in the treatment of pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia , as gabapentin alters the way the body experiences pain.

Another of its formats, which is presented in extended release tablets, is used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome, which generates in the person a deep affliction in the legs that is accompanied by an urgent need to move them continuously,

As for less common uses, gabapentin has been found to be effective in preventing frequent migraines, and in the treatment of nystagmus , which causes involuntary and uncontrollable movements of the eyes. However, these uses have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Finally, despite some controversy, gabapentin has been tried as a treatment for bipolar disorder, as some studies claim that it has fewer adverse effects than other medications, such as lithium, for this disorder. However, most research claims that this medication is not much more effective than the placebo used in it.

How is this medication administered?

As mentioned above there are several formats in which gabapentin is presented. These are: tablets, capsules, long-acting capsules and oral solution .

It is always advisable that the administration of this medication be carried out following the recommendations of the prescribing physician; avoiding increasing or decreasing the doses independently , as well as should not be taken more frequently than indicated,

Although gabapentin is extremely effective in controlling the symptoms of certain disorders or conditions, it does not have the ability to cure them . Therefore, it is of vital importance that the patient does not stop taking the medication even if he or she perceives that he or she feels better or that his or her symptoms have subsided, if the doctor has not indicated this to him or her.

If you decide to stop taking this medication on your own, you may experience a number of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or excessive sweating.

Precautions

There are a number of situations or people in whom the use of gabapentin is not recommended, starting with those patients who have manifested some type of hypersensitivity to this medicine or any of its active ingredients.

Although there are only animal studies of the effects of gabapentin during pregnancy, it is not advisable to prescribe it during pregnancy with the only exception that the benefit to the pregnant woman is greater than the possible risks to the fetus.

Also, due to the sedative effects of gabapentin, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lack of coordination , problems that tend to be aggravated by alcohol consumption. It is therefore necessary to avoid driving any type of vehicle or machinery, at least until the patient is sure of the effects this medicine has on his or her body.

As for its effect on children, gabapentin may alter their behaviour and abilities during the period in which it is administered. It is necessary to take into account that children may experience mood changes, irritation, hyperactivity or concentration problems. Therefore, adult supervision is necessary in any activity that the child carries out.

Although only the most important ones are mentioned here, there are many precautions to take into account before taking gabapentin. Therefore, the patient must inform the specialist doctor of any allergies, consumption of other medicines or organic diseases or conditions that he or she suffers from.

Side effects of gabapentin

Among the most common side effects after the administration of gabapentin are dizziness, drowsiness or peripheral edema, which refers to swelling of the extremities.

Other common side effects are:

  • Muscle weakness .
  • Headaches.
  • Tremors.
  • Anxiety.
  • Memory problems .
  • Heartburn.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fever .
  • Changes in appetite.
  • Itchy eyes.

A strange but rather striking adverse effect of gabapentin consists in the genesis and development of suicidal ideation in patients suffering from epilepsy or some other type of mental illness or disorder. This tendency occurs in approximately 1 in 500 people and has to appear just one week after starting treatment.

If the patient has any questions or concerns about the side effects of this drug, it is recommended that he or she go to the doctor who prescribed it or to his or her trusted pharmacist to resolve any issues.