Neurontin
An anticonvulsant, or anti-epileptic drug, is Neurontin (gabapentin). It has an impact on the body's chemicals and nerves that play a role in the development of seizures and some types of pain.Adults and kids who are at least 12 years old can use neurontin to treat partial seizures.Adults with shingles-related nerve pain may also benefit from using it. This article is meant to provide users of Welzo with information about Neurontin.
Health Benefits
One treatment approach that uses neurontin is combination therapy. As a result, you must also take other medications. In order to treat seizures brought on by:
Epilepsy
A partial seizure is a seizure type that only affects a portion of the brain.
An anticonvulsant drug called gabapentin is taken to stop seizures. Adults who have had shingles (herpes zoster) may also use gabapentin to treat their nerve pain. Adults with partial seizures can be treated with oral medications such as Fanatrex (fosphenytoin sodium), Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil), and Gabapentin EN (GPT-300).
There are additional uses for gabapentin not covered by this medication guide.
Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Consult your doctor if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or feelings of hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity (mentally or physically), or thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If you experience any of the following:
Hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat are indications of a serious allergic reaction.
fatigue, vertigo, and sleepiness;
tremor (trembling);
speech that is slurred and has coordination issues;
vision haze, discomfort in the eye, or seeing haloes around lights;
your hands, ankles, or feet swelling;
depression, confusion, strange ideas or actions;
Dosage
Neurontin is prescribed at a starting dose of 10-15 mg/kg per day, divided into two or three doses, for children aged 3 to 12 who are experiencing partial seizures. The range of the effective dose is 20–40 mg/kg/day.
For postherpetic neuralgia, the starting dose of Neurontin is 300 mg taken three times daily on Day 1, and this dosage is increased to 600 mg taken three times daily on Day 2. On Day 3, the dosage can be increased if necessary to 1800 mg administered three times daily.
Allow at least two hours to pass after taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium before taking gabapentin.
Interactions
There could be drug interactions with gabapentin. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements you are taking. Neurontin should only be taken during pregnancy if prescribed. This medication is excreted in breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Before breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Unknown is the exact way that gabapentin works. However, it is thought to function by preventing the brain's release of specific neurotransmitters that are in charge of seizures and pain.
The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and gabapentin share a structural relationship, but gabapentin does not directly interact with GABA receptors. The inhibitory activity of gabapentin is thought to be caused by a specific site on calcium channels where it binds. Its analgesic (pain relieving) and anticonvulsant effects could be attributed to this action.
Pharmacokinetics
Following oral administration, gabapentin is quickly and almost entirely absorbed from the GI tract. Within two to three hours, peak plasma concentrations are reached.
In humans, gabapentin is not significantly metabolized. Less than 2% of a dose is excreted in the urine as an unchanged drug.
Age or renal function have no impact on gabapentin's 5–7 hour elimination half-life.