How To Take Neurontin (Gabapentin) Correctly?

How To Take Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Gabapentin is a potent antiepileptic medication and you must know how to take gabapentin correctly in order to avoid negative consequence and reach the desired result. The drug is taken orally. Swallow the capsule and drink a glass a water. Continue taking the drug until your doctor cancels the treatment. The use of gabapentin is not recommended for children under 6.

How gabapentin works

Once in the body, gabapentin begins to bind to the α2-σ-subunit, which is voltage-dependent on the calcium channels. This action significantly reduces the flow of calcium ions, which means that the risk of neuropathic pain is reduced.

Gabapentin enhances the synthesis of GABA and inhibits the release of neurotransmitters belonging to the monoamine group. Bioavailability decreases with increasing dose. Gabapentin maximum concentration in the body is reached in 120-180 minutes after taking the capsule.

How to get gabapentin prescribed?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription medication. Doctors prescribe this drug to treat epilepsy in people over 12, and partial epileptic seizures in kids aged from 3 to 12.

Doctors may also prescribe gabapentin to treat restless legs syndrome, to prevent hot flashes, to relieve postherpetic neuralgia, to relieve diabetes-related tingling and numbness and tingling.

How to take gabapentin for preventing epileptic seizures?

Adults and adolescents: Take capsules according to the instructions. The doctor usually increases the dose gradually. The recommended initial dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin) is 300 to 900 mg per day. Then, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 3600 mg per day, divided into 3 doses, once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

See also  SCN1A Patients Advised to Avoid Sodium Channel Blockers

Children aged 6 years and over: The dose is set by the doctor, based on the weight of the child. Treatment begins with a low dose, which gradually increases over 3 days. Typically, the initial dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin) for epilepsy is 25-35 mg/kg per day. Usually, it is divided into 3 receptions, in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening.

How to take gabapentin for reducing peripheral neuropathic pain?

Adults: Take the capsules according to your doctor’s prescription. The doctor usually increases the dose gradually. The recommended initial dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin) is 300-900 mg. Then, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 3600 mg per day, divided into 3 doses, once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

General instructions

If you have kidney problems or you are on hemodialysis, your treating doctor may prescribe another dosing and/or dose schedule.

If you are over 65, you can take a usual dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin) if you do not have kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe an individual dose. If it seems to you that the effect of gabapentin is too strong or weak, consult a doctor or pharmacist as early as possible.

If you have taken a larger dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin), than you were advised, you may experience side effects such as unconsciousness, dizziness, double vision, indiscriminate speech, drowsiness, and diarrhea. Read the complete list of Gabapentin side effects here. You should call a doctor or seek medical help from the nearest emergency hospital. You should take your capsules and package with you so that the doctor knows which medicine you took.

See also  Alternative Therapy

If you missed the dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin), take it immediately, as soon as you remember. If it’s time for taking the next capsule, do not take the missed dose. Do not take a double dose of the drug to compensate for the missed dose.

Gabapentin during pregnancy and breastfeeding: This drug is not prescribed for women during pregnancy due to the lack of adequate data on the safety of gabapentin effect on the fetus. Animal studies have shown that prolonged use of gabapentin in pregnancy may slow down the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. The drug easily penetrates into breast milk, so the use of Gabapentin during lactation is highly unrecommended. If pregnant and lactating women need anticonvulsant therapy, they should consult a doctor about alternative treatment.

Always take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any doubts about taking the drug, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will determine the dose necessary for you.

How to stop taking gabapentin 300mg?

The drug cannot be canceled abruptly. If you sharply stop treatment with anticonvulsant drugs, then a patient with epilepsy may develop convulsive status. If there is a need to start treatment with other medications, reduce the dosage of gabapentin gradually, within seven days, and only then start to use another drug.

How much is Neurontin?

90 capsules of generic Neurontin (Gabapentin) 300mg cost about $73, or per pill. But with some online pharmacy coupon codes, the price may be lower.