INTRODUCTION
GABAPIN 400MG contains Gabapentin which belongs to the group of medicines called anticonvulsants. It is used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain. Epilepsy can be defined as disorder of firing of neurons in the brain, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Peripheral neuropathic pain is a chronic pain caused by damage to the nerves in hands and feet by disease conditions such as diabetes or shingles. It is characterized by a feeling of hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness or pins and needles in hands and feet.
Gabapentin acts by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It also blocks nerve pain by interfering with pain signals in the damaged nerves and brain. This medicine has a tendency to create dependence. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of abuse or dependence or if you feel you are consuming this medicine abusively. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this may lead to a breakthrough seizure.
Take this medicine as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a glass full of water. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain and infections. It may rarely cause thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If you experience this symptom, immediately contact your doctor for advice. GABAPIN 400MG should be used during pregnancy only when clearly necessary. It should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or more). It is not recommended for use in children aged below 6 years. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
USES OF GABAPIN 400MG
- Treat epilepsy
- Treat peripheral neuropathic pain
HOW GABAPIN 400MG WORKS
GABAPIN 400MG acts by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It inhibits the activity of alpha 2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels and decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, thus preventing seizures. It also interferes with the pain signals travelling through the damaged nerves and the brain and prevents nerve pain.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take GABAPIN 400MG as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a glass full of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your age, weight and health condition. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this may lead to a breakthrough seizure. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.
SIDE EFFECTS OF GABAPIN 400MG
SERIOUS
- Severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of lips and face, skin rash and redness, and/or hair loss)
- Symptoms of acute pancreatitis (persistent stomach pain, feeling sick and being sick)
- Swollen glands
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
COMMON
- Feeling dizzy or drowsy
- Lack of coordination
- Feeling tired, fever
- Infections (such as pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, ear infections)
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Anger, confusion, depression, anxiety, difficulty in thinking
- Convulsions, difficulty in speaking, memory loss
- Difficulty in sleeping, headache
- Skin sensitivity, numbness
- Blurred or double vision
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty in breathing, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nose
- Vomiting or nausea
- Inflamed gums
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, flatulence, constipation
- Dry mouth or throat
- Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain,
- Impotence (difficulties with erection)
- Increase in weight
RARE
- Loss of consciousness
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea or vomiting:
Try taking this medicine with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.
Constipation:
Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
GABAPIN 400MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
GABAPIN 400MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines, because this medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the side effects of this medicine.
KIDNEY
GABAPIN 400MG should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to gabapentin.
LUNGS
GABAPIN 400MG should be taken with caution in patients with respiratory problems. Consult your doctor for advice.
INTERACTIONS
Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,
- Medicines containing opioids such as morphine (used to treat pain)
- Antacids (used to reduce stomach acid) such as aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide
MORE INFORMATION
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
Q: Can GABAPIN 400MG be stopped abruptly?
A: No. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this may lead to a breakthrough seizure. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.
Q: Can GABAPIN 400MG raise blood sugar?
A: Currently, there are no enough evidence regarding the action of gabapentin on blood sugar levels. However, if you experience increased sugar levels, contact your doctor immediately.
Q: Can GABAPIN 400MG be taken on empty stomach?
A: Yes. This medicine can be taken with or without food.
Q: Can GABAPIN 400MG raise blood pressure?
A: Yes. This medicine may cause high blood pressure in some individuals. If this symptom bothers you, contact your doctor.
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