What is Gabapentin 300 mg?
Gabapentin is a prescription medicine used to treat nerve pain from adult shingles.
Gabapentin 300mg belongs to a class of drugs called Anticonvulsants. It is given alone or in combination with other medicines to treat epilepsy.
300mg of Gabapentin is sold under the brand name Neurontin. It can be purchased from a licensed pharmacy after a doctor's prescription.
What are the uses of Gabapentin 300mg?
Doctors prescribe Gabapentin 300mg for:
Treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain
Peripheral neuropathic pain is a long-term disorder of weakness, pain, or numbness caused by damage to the nerves in your legs and hands.
Some common symptoms of peripheral neuropathic pain include numbness, a feeling of hot, sharp tingling, throbbing, and burning.
Treatment of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain. This can cause seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and sometimes loss of mindfulness.
How does Gabapentin 300mg work?
Gabapentin is an antiepileptic medicine. In the treatment of epilepsy, it works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in your brain and preventing seizures.
To treat nerve pain, 300mg of Gabapentin blocks pain by interfering with your pain signals, which travel through damaged nerves and the brain.
How to use Gabapentin 300mg?
Gabapentin is available in capsule form and should be taken as advised by the doctor. Take this medicine with water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Take Gabapentin 300mg with or without food as prescribed. Its dosage is based on your response to treatment and medical conditions. For children, dosage depends on weight.
During the first few days of treatment, your doctor might gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to this medicine. To reduce side effects, take the first dose of Gabapentin at bedtime.
What if I miss a dose of Gabapentin 300mg?
If you forget to take a Gabapentin capsule, take it as soon as possible. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume with the regular dosage. Only increase the dosage with a doctor's recommendation.
What if I consume an overdose of Gabapentin 300mg?
If you accidentally take an excessive dosage of Gabapentin capsule, meet your doctor immediately or visit a nearby hospital.
Some common symptoms of overdose include diarrhoea, blurred vision, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
What are the side effects of Gabapentin 300mg?
Some common side effects of Gabapentin 300mg include:
- Viral infection
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Blurred vision
Seek medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen. However, these side effects disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
What are the precautions and warnings related to Gabapentin 300mg?
Please do not stop taking the Gabapentin capsule suddenly, as it can increase the risk of your seizures. Your doctor might conduct specific tests before starting treatment.
300mg of Gabapentin is not prescribed for patients who are allergic to it, and it is also not prescribed for children under six years of age.
Before starting treatment with Gabapentin 300mg, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Kidney disorders
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Different types of seizures
- Persistent stomach pain
- Respiratory disorders
- Nervous system problems
Doctors do not prescribe Gabapentin capsules for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
300mg of Gabapentin might make you feel dizzy or blur your vision. It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption and drive if you suffer from dizziness.
Inform the doctor if you experience unusual changes in your behaviour or mood, worsening depression, or have suicidal thoughts.
Gabapentin can interact with or affect other medicines you take. Tell the doctor about all other drugs and herbal supplements you take.
Your doctor will prescribe Gabapentin 300mg only when its benefits outweigh the risks.
