Gabapentin is a drug to relieve seizures in people with epilepsy. In addition to relieving spasms, gabapentin is also used to relieve nerve pain that occurs after experiencing herpes and restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin belongs to a type of anticonvulsant or anti-seizure drug. Seizures, nerve pain, or restless leg syndrome are caused by chemicals and nerves that are overactive. Gabapentin works by inhibiting excessive nerve activity, so that these symptoms can be relieved.
It should be noted that gabapentin cannot cure epilepsy, but only controls seizures as long as it is consumed regularly. This medication is available in capsule form and can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Merek dagang gabapentin: Alpentin, Epiven, Gabapentin, Gabasant 300, Gabatin, Gabesco, Gabexal, Galepsi, Ganin, Nepatic, Neurontin, Neurosantin, Opipentin, Repligen, Simtin, Sipentin, Tineuron
What is Gabapentin
| Group | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain reliever |
| Benefit | Relieves spasms, restless legs syndrome and neuropathic pain from herpes |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥ 6 years |
| Gabapentin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Gabapentin may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Gabapentin
Pay attention to the following things before taking gabapentin:
- Do not use gabapentin if you have an allergy to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from kidney disease , mental disorders, respiratory problems, and alcohol and drug abuse .
- If you are an epileptic who is taking gabapentin, have regular checkups with your doctor, especially in the first few months, so that your doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking gabapentin, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking medication with other drugs, including supplements and herbal products, to prevent drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after taking gabapentin.
Dosage and Rules for Use Gabapentin
The following is a general dosage for gabapentin based on the condition you want to treat:
Condition: Seizures due to epilepsy
- Adult: 300 mg once daily on the 1st day, 300 mg twice daily on the second day, and 300 mg 3 times daily on the third day. The dose may be increased by 300 mg every 2–3 days, depending on the patient's response to the drug. The daily dose is generally 900–3,000 mg per day, divided into 3 doses.
- Children ≥6 years: Initially 10–15 mg/kg. Dosage can be increased every 3 days until an effective dose is reached. The maximum dose is 50 mg/kg.
Condition: Nerve pain after herpes
- Adult: 300 mg once daily on the first day, 300 mg every 12 hours on the second day, and 300 mg every 8 hours on the third day. Subsequent doses may be added as needed up to a maximum of 600 mg every 8 hours.
Condition: Restless legs syndrome
- Adults: 100–300 mg per day, taken 2 hours before bedtime. Dosage may be added every 2 weeks until symptoms diminish.
How to Take Gabapentin Properly
Take gabapentin according to doctor's advice and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase the dose and duration of treatment because this can increase the risk of side effects.
Swallow the gabapentin capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, or chew capsules before swallowing. Gabapentin can be taken before or after meals.
Take gabapentin at the same time every day to maximize the benefits of the drug. For patients taking gabapentin 3 times a day to control seizures, make sure the time interval between doses is not more than 12 hours.
If you are going to take drugs that contain aluminum or magnesium, such as antacids , space them out at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
Continue to take gabapentin even though the condition has improved, unless directed by a doctor. Do not stop taking gabapentin suddenly without your doctor's knowledge, as this could make the condition flare up or get worse.
If you forget to take gabapentin, consume it as soon as you remember. However, if a break with the next schedule is near, ignore that dose and do not double the next dose.
Store gabapentin at room temperature, in a dry place, away from sunlight. Keep gabapentin out of reach of children.
Interactions of Gabapentin with Other Drugs
Interactions that can occur if gabapentin is used with certain drugs are:
- Suppression of central nervous system activity, which can cause excessive drowsiness and respiratory system disturbances, when used with opioid-type pain relievers, for example morphine
- Decreased absorption of gabapentin when used with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
- Increased risk of gabapentin side effects when used with cimetidine
Gabapentin Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may arise after consuming gabapentin are:
- drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Headache
- The body gets tired easily
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nystagmus
- Blurred vision
- Tremor
Consult your doctor if these side effects do not subside immediately or get worse.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or a more serious side effect, such as confusion, depression, desire to harm yourself or others, loss of consciousness, or shortness of breath.