Don't abruptly stop taking gabapentin because you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating which may be severe. It should be tapered off slowly under a doctor's advice. Gabapentin is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it. Gabapentin is also used to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that occurs after shingles. So the kidney has a big job of clearing it out of the body. So if you are given gabapentin, you need to have a reduced dose or maybe none at all. You have to speak to your medical doctor about that. If you’re being prescribed, a natural alternative is alpha lipoic acid, a supplement you can find 600. Twice a day helps neuropathy, also helps Making Informed Decisions About Gabapentin. Given the discussions surrounding the dangers of Gabapentin, it is important for patients to engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers. Here are a few steps you can take: Educate Yourself: Read up on Gabapentin’s uses, side effects, and potential interactions. Gabapentin is fairly safe when you use it correctly. It does come with some possible side effects, though. People who misuse this drug are also at risk of additional side effects. Gabapentin Gabapentin is commonly used to treat and prevent seizures in people with epilepsy or to treat nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) that can occur after a viral infection called shingles. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication approved for seizures, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. It can also be prescribed off-label for other conditions, but it may have serious side effects and risks. If you’re taking gabapentin, avoid driving until you know how it affects you. More rarely, gabapentin can cause fluid buildup (edema), weight gain, and vision problems. It can also cause diarrhea. Withdrawal may begin within as little as 12 hours of discontinuation or as late as 7 days after quitting or significantly reducing your dose. 12 To decrease your risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, you can undergo a gradual taper off of the drug, performed by your doctor. 9 If you are abusing gabapentin and want to seek help for Negative side effects of gabapentin can vary for each person, but the severe effects are rare. A doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of gabapentin use for you. While gabapentin is used for many therapeutic applications and can be safe to use when taken as prescribed, there are also risks linked with its use. Some side effects of gabapentin 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. Gabapentin, used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain, can be beneficial but comes with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and potential for long-term cognitive impact or dependence, especially when misused or combined with other drugs. Monitoring usage is crucial for safety. Doctors often prescribe gabapentin to prevent epilepsy-related seizures and nerve pain. It is generally safe but can have side effects, including blurred vision and behavior changes. Approved by Dr. Andrea Middleton - Gabapentin, used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain, can be beneficial but comes with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and potential for long-term cognitive impact or dependence, especially when misused or combined with other drugs. Gabapentin is approved to prevent and control partial seizures, relieve postherpetic neuralgia after shingles and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome. Learn what side effects to watch for, drugs to avoid while taking gabapentin, how to take gabapentin and other important questions and answers. If this happens, you'll have withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking the medicine. When you stop taking gabapentin, you'll need to reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about becoming physically dependent on gabapentin. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are both gabapentinoids—psychotropic medications that cross the blood-brain barrier and mimic the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gabapentin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures. In 2002 Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how gabapentin will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before you take gabapentin. Gabapentin and Cirrhosis of the Liver - Fatty Liver Disease A typical gabapentin dose for postherpetic neuralgia and seizures is 300 mg to 600 mg, 3 times a day. To avoid taking too much gabapentin, never double up on doses. If you miss a dose of gabapentin and it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Who might need a lower dose of gabapentin?
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