Gabapentin as a drug does a variety of things, including preventing and controlling partial seizures and relieving postherpetic neuralgia after shingles and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome.
While it does all those things, the FDA has warned about its possible side effects. Keep reading to learn more about some of their concerns, side effects to watch for, and drugs to avoid while taking gabapentin.
What Is Gabapentin?
It is a prescription medication known as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog. It reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals.
Gabapentin mirrors the effects of GABA, a chemical which reduces abnormal electrical activity of brain cells., In people dealing with nerve pain after having had shingles, the drug is thought to change the way pain signals are sent through the body and brain.
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It is categorized under medications called anticonvulsants. According to a 2022 report, the drug is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America.
The FDA has approved gabapentin for the treatment of various conditions. Bottom line: Gabapentin is an FDA-approved drug that works, but not without consequences.
Off-Label Uses for Gabapentin
Off-label prescription occurs when there is some evidence to show that a drug may be medically appropriate to treat conditions other than those for which it was approved. Doctors usually prescribe the drug off-label to treat conditions like numbness or uncomfortable tingling caused by nerve damage from diabetes.
Also, they prescribe it for nerve pain in the neck and back from conditions like sciatica and hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of heat and sweating that can happen in women after menopause and in those getting treatment for breast cancer. Doctors also recommend it for mood disorders such as anxiety and alcohol addiction.
Controversies Surrounding Gabapentin
The controversy and concerns that surround the use of Gabapentin as a drug have to do with its numerous and potentially dangerous side effects.
Side effects of gabapentin
Its more common side effects include drowsiness or dizziness, headache or blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dry mouth. Others are weight gain, swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, back or joint pain, and flulike symptoms.
However, the rare but severe side effects gabapentin include rash, itching, or yellowing of the skin, swelling of the face and throat, a condition called angioedema, problems speaking or swallowing, and changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality.
Who Should Be Cautious With Using Gabapentin as a Drug?
People who use opioid pain medicines and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be careful when using it because it may cause breathing problems.
Older adults who take gabapentin face a higher risk. Not only can the drug enhance the psychological effect of opioids, but it also has the potential to be abused and has contributed to drug overdose deaths.
Drugs like gabapentin have been linked in rare cases to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you take it, be on the lookout for any unusual changes in your mood, such as agitation, violence, aggression, depression, or talking about wanting to hurt yourself.
How To Safely Stop Treatment With Gabapentin
Those who have been treated with the drug are advised against stopping its use abruptly as there is a chance of having seizures. It is better to gradually reduce the use of the drug until you can stop completely to avoid the seizures.
How Fast Does Gabapentin Work for Nerve Pain?
It typically starts to relieve nerve pain within one to two weeks of starting the medication. Note that the effectiveness and onset can depend on the dosage, which is often gradually increased to minimize side effects.
The time it takes to work can also vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, severity of pain, and other health conditions.
What Is the Biggest Side Effect of Gabapentin?
One of the most common and significant side effects of the drug is drowsiness, and it can become so bad it affects daily activities and overall alertness.
Other frequently reported symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and mood changes.
Is Gabapentin Bad for Your Liver?
At prescribed doses, gabapentin is generally safe for the liver. However, there have been rare reports of liver damage as a result of gabapentin use.
Fortunately, such cases are not common. Nevertheless, patients with pre-existing liver conditions should be monitored closely when taking gabapentin.
What Is Gabapentin Usually Prescribed For?
Some common uses of Gabapentin include treatment for partial seizures. Gabapentin is used to prevent and control partial seizures in adults and children aged three and older. It is also used for postherpetic neuralgia. The medication can relieve nerve pain following shingles, which is known as postherpetic neuralgia.
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Gabapentin is also used for restless legs syndrome. It is often used to treat moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome, although how it solves the problem is not entirely known yet.
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