What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a type of active ingredient, used in generic or commercial drugsfor its anticonvulsant properties, since its mechanism of action is exerted directly on thecentral nervous system.
Its presentation in drugs is usually in tablets, tablets, capsulesand also in solutions of oral administration. Gabapentin doses dependstrongly on the type of conditionbeing treated.
Note: A medical study mentions that: “It has been postulated that gabapentin exerts its effects through the facilitation of gabaergic transmission, the decrease of excitatory transmission by glutamate and the modulation of various ion channels.” (1)
What is gabapentin for?
Gabapentin has a substance capable of increasinggamma amino butyric acid (GABA), whichis aninhibitory and stimulatingneurotransmitter on brain activities or treatment for pain accurately. Therefore, gabapentin may be prescribed for the following cases:
1. Epilepsy
This is known to be a neurological disorder , caused by genetic alterations or traumas that unbalance brain activity, resulting in seizures or loss of consciousness mostly.
To highlight: The doses of gabapentin for cases of epilepsy range from a 300 mg capsule three times a day (in adults) or from 10 mg to 20 mg three times a day (in children).
2. Neuropathic pain
This type of pain is a symptom of diseases that affect the somatosensory system (part of the brain that collects sensory information), without protective utility and causes greater sensitivity in nerve endings.
You should know: Initial doses of gabapentin are usually given to are usually given in patients with neuropathic pain of 900 mg per day, which can be increased by 300 mg for two or three days if improvements occur.
Gabapentin Side Effects
Being a strong generic drug, it is common for gabapentin to have certain adverse reactions, which is uncomfortable for some patients. Therefore, it is necessary to know about the following side effects of gabapentin:
- Drowsiness.
- depression .
- Tremors.
- headache.
- Dyspnoea.
Contraindications of gabapentin
Gabapentin is strongly contraindicated in a certain number of patients, due to its negative interactions with other disorders. In such a case, it should not be administered for these conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to the active metabolite.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Children under 6 years.
- Pregnancy.
- Epileptic seizures.
Key Findings
- Gabapentin is an active principle with anticonvulsant characteristics,WhoseMechanism of action is exerted directly on the central nervous system.
- Gabapentin treatment is used for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, whose doses are particular for each type of condition.
- Gabapentin has adverse effects such as depression , headache, dyspnea, and drowsiness.
- Gabapentin is not recommended for use in people at risk of pancreatitis .
