Gabapentin’s primary use is to prevent or control seizures.
Gabapentin can also help reduce post-herpetic neuralgia, a burning or stabbing nerve pain that is a common complication of shingles.
Extended-release gabapentin (Horizant) tablets can treat restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication. When given for epilepsy, it is believed to work by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thus preventing seizures.
It is also used to treat nerve pain where it blocks pain by interfering with pain signals travelling through the damaged nerves and the brain.
Major & minor side effects for Gabapentin
- Dizziness
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Agitation and anxiety
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Lower back pain
- Tremors
- Increased appetite
- Change in vision
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women unless necessary.
This medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in the first week of the treatment.
Gabapentin may cause skin reaction like Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).
Gabapentin is known to cause sedation and dizziness.
This medicine is known to cause central nervous system effects like behavior changes, difficulty in concentration and restlessness.
Gabapentin should not be stopped immediately without informing the doctor due to the risk of increasing seizure frequency.