What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin (also known as Neurontin ) is used for a number of medical conditions including epilepsy, hot flashes and restless legs syndrome. Anticonvulsant, it works by reducing the abnormal brain activity. Off-label, It Is sometimes prescribed for Anxiety , migraine prevention and alcohol withdrawal.
Gabapentin, which was approved for the first time by FDA in 1993, is widely available both in generic and brand names. The drug has undergone extensive clinical testing and it is considered to be safe when taken as prescribed.
Gabapentin: Uses and Benefits
Gabapentin can be prescribed for epilepsy or seizures. The drug has shown to reduce the severity and frequency of epileptic seizures. It has also been proven to lower the risk of having recurrent epileptic seizures for those who've had them before.
Gabapentin can also be used to treat neuropathy (nerve pain). This drug can relieve nerve pain from diabetes, shingles or chemotherapy. According to some researchers, it works by preventing certain pain signals reaching the brain.
Gabapentin can also be prescribed for hot flashes, other menopausal symptom and restless legs syndrome. The drug has shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flushes among postmenopausal females. It may also improve sleep and reduce nighttime leg movements for people who suffer from restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin can be used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal, anxiety and migraine prevention.
Gabapentin: Benefits and Side Effects
Gabapentin is effective for treating many conditions. Gabapentin is primarily used to treat epilepsy and seizures, but has been shown to also be effective in the treatment of nerve pain, restless legs syndrome, hot flashes and anxiety. It has also been used to treat alcohol withdrawal, anxiety and migraine prevention.
In clinical studies , gabapentin was found to be generally effective and safe when taken as prescribed. The drug is well tolerated and has few side effects. It is also non-addictive, and it does not lead to physical dependency like other drugs.
Gabapentin Side Effects
There are a few side effects to be aware of, even though gabapentin has largely been found safe and tolerable. The most common side effects are fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Other less common effects are blurred vision and confusion.
Rarely, side effects more severe may also occur. These include allergic reactions that are very serious, hallucinations and muscle weakness. Contact a physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Gabapentin: Experts' and professionals' opinions
Experts generally agree that Gabapentin, when taken as prescribed, is safe and effective. It is well tolerated and has few severe side effects. They warn against its use in certain patients or when combined with other medications, because it could cause serious side effects.
Experts also warn against stopping abruptly gabapentin as it could cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Before starting or stopping Gabapentin, patients should consult their physician.
Gabapentin: How To Get Started
It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions when taking gabapentin. It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor and not take more or less than prescribed. You should always follow your doctor's instructions and never take more than what is prescribed.
Gabapentin comes in generic and brand names. You can take it with or without eating. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you take, since some of them may have an interaction with gabapentin.
Conclusion
Gabapentin can be used to treat many conditions including epilepsy, neuropathic symptoms, hot flashes and restless legs syndrome. When used according to the instructions, it is considered generally safe and effective. The majority of experts are in agreement that there are many positive effects and very few negative ones.
It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions and tell him about all medications or supplements. Gabapentin is an effective medication for many conditions when used properly.
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