What is gabapentin and what is it used?!
Question:
What is gabapentin and what is it used?
Answers:
GENERIC NAME: gabapentin
BRAND NAME: Neurontin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Gabapentin is in the class of drugs called anticonvulsants because they are used to treat seizures (epilepsy) and herpes zoster (shingles). Gabapentin is related to the brain chemical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) but exactly how it works is unknown.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Capsules are available in 100mg, 300mg, 400mg, and 800mg sizes by Park-Davis labs.
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 15-30 degrees C (69-86 F)
PRESCRIBED FOR: Gabapentin is used for treating seizure disorders and herpes zoster (shingles).
DOSING: Gabapentin can be taken with or without food at doses specifically directed by your physician. Individual doses vary greatly between individuals. Usually the drug is taken two to three times daily. It is currently not approved under the age of 12 years old. If discontinued, gabapentin should be gradually withdrawn (usually over one week) as directed by the doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Gabapentin appears to be relatively safe and has not been shown to interact with other drugs except for it's potential of added sedation. Gabapentin should not be taken within 2 hours of Maalox. Gabapentin may interfere with the reading of N- Multistix in detecting urine protein.
SIDE EFFECTS: Neurontin has few side effects which include sleepiness, dizziness, unsteady gait, fatigue and eye twitching.