Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs. Gabapentin works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically by modulating the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.
Here are some common uses of gabapentin:
- Epilepsy: Gabapentin is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children.
- Nerve Pain (Neuropathic Pain): Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for various types of nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by shingles), and neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Gabapentin may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms of restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.
- Anxiety Disorders: In some cases, gabapentin may be prescribed off-label to manage anxiety disorders, particularly in individuals who experience anxiety as a component of their neurological conditions.
Gabapentin is usually taken orally, and the dosage depends on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, kidney function, and other factors. It is available in various formulations, including capsules, tablets, and an oral solution.
While gabapentin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and coordination problems. In some cases, it may also lead to more serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions, or changes in mood or behavior.
It’s essential for patients to take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by their healthcare provider and to report any unusual or concerning symptoms. As with any medication, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before starting gabapentin therapy.
What Side Effects May I Notice from Gabapentin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
- difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
- swelling of lips or tongue
- rash
- worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
- fever
- hyperactivity
- hostile or aggressive behavior
- mood changes or changes in behavior
- difficulty concentrating
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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- constipation
- difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
- dizziness, drowsiness
- dry mouth
- back pain, joint aches and pains
- indigestion, gas or heartburn
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- restlessness
- sexual difficulty (impotence)
- skin itching
- slurred speech
- sore gums
- tremor
- weight gain
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling eye movements
More common in children
- Aggressive behavior or other behavior problems
- anxiety
- concentration problems and change in school performance
- crying
- depression
- false sense of well-being
- hyperactivity or increase in body movements
- rapidly changing moods
- reacting too quickly, too emotional, or overreacting
- restlessness
- suspiciousness or distrust
Less common
- Black, tarry stools
- chest pain
- chills
- cough
- depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes
- fever
- loss of memory
- pain or swelling in the arms or legs
- painful or difficult urination
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- clay-colored stools
- coma
- confusion
- convulsions
- dark urine
- decreased urine output
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- increased thirst
- itching or skin rash
- joint pain
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- loss of appetite
- muscle ache or pain
- nausea
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- unpleasant breath odor
- vomiting of blood
- yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Blurred vision
- cold or flu-like symptoms
- delusions
- dementia
- hoarseness
- lack or loss of strength
- lower back or side pain
- swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs
- trembling or shaking
Less common or rare
- Accidental injury
- appetite increased
- back pain
- bloated or full feeling
- body aches or pain
- burning, dry, or itching eyes
- change in vision
- change in walking and balance
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- congestion
- constipation
- cough producing mucus
- decrease in sexual desire or ability
- difficulty with breathing
- dryness of the mouth or throat
- earache
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- excessive tearing
- eye discharge
- feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
- feeling of warmth or heat
- flushed, dry skin
- flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
- frequent urination
- fruit-like breath odor
- impaired vision
- incoordination
- increased hunger
- increased sensitivity to pain
- increased sensitivity to touch
- increased thirst
- indigestion
- noise in the ears
- pain, redness, rash, swelling, or bleeding where the skin is rubbed off
- passing gas
- redness or swelling in the ear
- redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sweating
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tightness in the chest
- tingling in the hands and feet
- trouble sleeping
- trouble swallowing
- trouble thinking
- twitching
- unexplained weight loss
- voice changes
- vomiting
- weakness or loss of strength
- weight gain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
We do not suggest you to take Fioricet or Gabapentin for a long time, you need go to your local health professional to treat your pain without prescription. We think exercising is the best way to relieve your pain. Exercising is a very good methods. Exercising can enhance your immune system and increase your muscle strength and make your nerve strong.
You can also take some nutrition from food.
We do not suggest you to take Fioricet or Gabapentin for a long time, you need go to your local health professional to treat your pain without prescription. We think exercising is the best way to relieve your pain. Exercising is a very good methods. Exercising can enhance your immune system and increase your muscle strength and make your nerve strong.
You can also take some USANA Nature nutrition from food. and make you happier by taking Celavive® Skin Care USANA Products, USANA toothepaste
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.