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What is Gabapentin used for?

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizure disorders caused by epilepsy and nerve damage caused by postherpetic neuralgia. This drug belongs to a class of medications called anti-convulsants. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is the recommended dosage of Gabapentin?

The dosage of Gabapentin prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.

Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.

What if you miss a dose of Gabapentin?

If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Gabapentin medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.

What if you overdose on Gabapentin?

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Gabapentin, seek medical attention immediately.

What other drugs could interact with Gabapentin?

It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Gabapentin.

Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Gabapentin, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.

Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the side effects of Gabapentin?

Like other medicines, Gabapentin can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Gabapentin are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Gabapentin cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Gabapentin develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Gabapentin can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Gabapentin.

What are the Alternatives to Gabapentin?

Gabapentin medicine is an anti-epileptic drug which is prescribed off-label for the treatment of a variety of conditions.

Top 5 gabapentin alternatives are mentioned below:

Cymbalta: Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine which reuptakes inhibitor antidepressant (SNRI). This medicine is approved for the management of depression, neuropathic pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal pain.

Elavil: Elavil medication is a tricyclic antidepressant which is commonly used in place of gabapentin medicine for various types of nerve pain. This is an FDA-approved for the treatment of condition like depression but has an off-label use for neuropathic pain.

Klonopin: Klonopin is a medicine which is a benzodiazepine that is approved for the treatment of seizure and panic disorders in adults and children.

Lidoderm: Lidoderm medicine is a local anesthetic which helps in blocking the nerves in the body to lower the pain. It is used for the treatment of post-shingles which is similar to gabapentin.

Lyrica: Lyrica medication is a controlled substance and anticonvulsant like gabapentin. This medicine is approved for the management of fibromyalgia and nerve pain from condition like diabetes, post-herpetic infection, or spinal cord injury.

How effective is gabapentin for nerve pain?

The results of medicine Gabapentin over the counter shows that 30 to 40% of people taking gabapentin were able to reduce the pain by half or more, compared to 10 to 20% of people consuming the placebo. Although some people might attain significant relief, which others might also have side effects without having any sort of relief of pain.

Where can I buy Gabapentin over the counter?

No, you cannot get the medicine Gabapentin over the counter. You will need a proper prescription before one can receive the medication gabapentin. This amazing Gabapentin medicine is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a licensed doctor only. Gabapentin without prescription is not classified as a controlled substance in most of the states and it can be prescribed online in 43 out of 50 states.

Can I buy Gabapentin without a prescription?

Gabapentin medicine is not sold as a Gabapentin over the counter medication. You shall also need \a prescription for gabapentin from your healthcare provider. One shall need to fill the prescription at a pharmacy. Gabapentin without prescription belongs to the family of medicines known as antiepileptic medicine that is used for the treatment of epilepsy (seizures) when other treatments might have not worked.

What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Gabapentin?

Is it possible for me to take Gabapentin with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Gabapentin?
What are the possible drug interactions of Gabapentin?
How will Gabapentin work in my body?
How should Gabapentin be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Gabapentin drug interactions and side effects?

Note

The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of Gabapentin is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

 

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