Gabapentin is a brand in itself when it comes to the treatment of partial seizures arising out of epilepsy. As the most prescribed drug in its category, Gabapentin is an efficient remedy to calm and soothe your nerves when seizure due to epilepsy strikes. Control seizures with Gabapentin.

Gabapentin – An Overview:
Gabapentin, popularly known as Neurotin is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of people with partial seizures due to epilepsy. Gabapentin has been widely prescribed by physicians as it has minimal side effects and few drug interactions, but Gabapentin works on very few people for reason of its bioavailability. This drug is usually taken at the onset of seizure, when the epilepsy is at its initial stage. Gabapentin should be taken only under the advice of a physician.

Gabapentin Mechanism:
Gabapentin effect changes on the nerves and chemicals in the human body that are responsible for the cause of seizure and other pains. The mechanism of Gabapentin is still not fully comprehended, as its action is still an issue of perplexity to the medical scientists. However it is believed that Gabapentin is an efficient inhibitor of certain parts of the brain, which suppresses the random firing of neurons that cause seizures. Gabapentin only controls seizures, it doesn’t cure epilepsy.

Gabapentin Safety Measures:
Gabapentin may cause drowsiness and lack of alertness in many people. The drug has the possibility to land a person in difficult psychological and physical situations, if it is taken under faulty conditions. One should always avoid Gabapentin when he is using alcohol or other abusive substances. Gabapentin is not meant for children, pregnant or breast feeding women, and older adults. If you are allergic to Gabapentin, dyes, certain foods and other chemicals, you would need to consult your doctor. The initiation to Gabapentin as well as the withdrawal needs to be closely monitored. You may need to talk to a qualified physician in case you are using any of the following medicaments:

• Maalox
• Lortab
• Vicodin
• Naprosyn
• Kadian
• M S Contin
• Sedatives
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines

It is also advised to avoid doing any sort of perilous and risky mechanical work when you are under the effect of Gabapentin. Driving and other similar activities that call for mental alertness should be kept at bay when you take Gabapentin, as they are prone to cause occupational hazards.

Gabapentin Dosage and Usage:

• Gabapentin is available in oral capsules of 100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg, tablets of 600 mg and 800 mg, and oral suspension of 250 mg/5ml.
• Take Gabapentin as directed by your physician
• Swallow the Gabapentin tablets and capsule in whole, don’t
• hew them
• Gabapentin can be taken with or without food
• Adults and children above 12 years should begin with a dose of 300 mg taken thrice a day
• The maximum dose is 1800 mg divided into three separate doses
• Gabapentin dosage for children below 12 is calculated according to the body weight
• The starting dose is 15 to 20 mg per 2.2 pounds, which can gradually increase to 40 mg.
• The total daily dose of Gabapentin is usually divided into three equal doses
• Gabapentin dose shouldn’t be missed for more than 12 hours.
• You should never double dose for the missed dose
• Call emergency in the case of overdose symptoms like double vision, diarrhea etc.
• Gabapentin dose shouldn’t be altered or stopped abruptly.

Gabapentin Storage:

• Gabapentin should be stored in room temperatures between 15 and 30 degree Celsius
• The drug should be kept away from children
• Gabapentin should be stored away from direct heat and light
• Gabapentin shouldn’t be stored in moist and damp places like kitchen or bathroom
• Broken Gabapentin tablets shouldn’t be kept for more than 3 days
• Gabapentin oral suspension should be kept in the refrigerator, but not allowed to freeze
• Outdated Gabapentin medicines should be discarded

Gabapentin Side Effects:
Gabapentin has a clean record of moderate intensity and less recurring negative effects as compared to the other drugs of its class, certain side effects do occur to people taking this drug. Some of the common side effects in adults taking Gabapentin are:

• Uncontrolled body coordination
• Clumsiness
• Rolling eye movements
• Double vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Fever

The less commonly occurring side effects of Gabapentin are:

• Sore throat
• Black stool
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Irritability
• Chills
• Swollen glands
• Swollen leg
• Loss of memory
• Weakness
• Unusual bleeding
• Shortness of breath