Gabapentin is a representative of preparations of the pharmacological group of antiepileptics .It is produced in capsule form( 300 mg of active substance in capsule).
The name of the drug was obtained from the active component - gabapentin, which determines the mechanism of action of the drug.
The effect of this substance is different from that of drugs that interact with GABA receptors( eg, barbirurates, valproic acid).
Gabapentin does not affect the metabolism of GABA, it reduces the amount of calcium ions that contribute to the formation of neuropathic pain , and also reduces the death rate of a certain type of neurons, thus providing a medicinal effect on the body.
Due to the properties of the active substance of the drug, gabapentin is effective in epileptic seizures.
Content
- pharmacokinetics of drugs
- Indications
- Contraindications to the use of gabapentin
- Dosage and Administration
- epilepsy treatment
- Treatment neuropathy
- Overdose
- Side effects of gabapentin
- Special instructions for use and precautions
- interaction with other drugs
- Conditions and terms
- The cost of the drug
- Reviews of patients and doctors about the drug Gabapentin
- Analogues medications
- Gabagammonia
- Neurotin
Pharmacokinetics of drug
Gabapentin is rapidly absorbed. The maximum bioavailability( i.e. the amount of active substance that has a direct medicinal effect on the human body) is 60%.
Not metabolized. It is excreted from the body in practically unchanged form with urine.
Indications for use
Guideline for use on the drug Gabapentin indicates that it is indicated for treatment of epilepsy. 
The treatment yields a resistant form, partial seizures with and without secondary generalization, both in children and adults.
The drug is used both as an independent agent, and as an element of complex treatment.
Also, Gabapentin is used to treat the neuropathic pain of ( only in persons over 18 years of age).
Contraindications for the use of Gabapentin
The absolute contraindication for the use of gabapentin is:
- pancreatitis in acute form;
- young age( up to 3 years);
- intolerance to galactose, impaired glucose uptake, lactase deficiency;
- hypersensitivity to gabapentin or other components of the drug, as well as individual intolerance.
In addition, there are cases where the use of gabapentin is possible, but treatment should be performed with caution and under the supervision of physicians:
- kidney failure and some other kidney disorders;
- pregnancy( the effect of gabapentin on fetal development has not been sufficiently studied, so the drug can be used only if its possible benefit to the mother of
- is greater than the estimated risk for the child);
- lactation period( the active component of the drug is able to penetrate into the composition of breast milk);
- the patient's elderly age( because of the risk of developing kidney disease);
- in a patient of a mixed type, including absence.
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How to use and dosage
The reception of gabapentin is not tied to food intake, i.e. the drug can be taken both before and after meals.
Treatment of epilepsy
Depending on the dosage, such doses are used. medications:
- Patients aged 12 years. Treatment begins with a minimum dosage of the drug - 300-400 mg( 1st day) .The daily dose increases by 300-400 mg daily for the next two days, respectively. The maximum starting dose of the drug can be 900 mg per day. The interval between taking gabapentin capsule should not exceed 12 hours. In general, the amount of the drug consumed per day can reach 12 capsules( 3600 mg of gabapentin).
- Patients under the age of 12 years .Dosage is selected individually, depending on the weight of the child. On average, it is up to 35 mg per kilogram of .The received dose increases gradually, and can reach 50 mg per day per kilogram of patient weight.
Treatment of neuropathy
At the initial stage of treatment, the dosage of gabapentin is also 900 mg per day, i.e.300 mg 3 times a day.
The maximum dosage of the drug may be 3600 mg per day.
Particular attention is paid to the choice of dosage for patients who have impaired renal function, as well as those who are on hemodialysis.
Overdose of
If the dosage of gabapentin prescribed by a doctor is not observed, an overdose is possible.
Symptoms of an overdose of may include dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, blurred vision, impaired speech function.
If these signs are present, the patient should make a gastric lavage, give activated charcoal. Effective hemodialysis. Further treatment is carried out in accordance with the symptoms.
Side effect of Gabapentin
Gabapentin is not completely safe.
As with most antiepileptic drugs, after the use of gabapentin, negative reactions of various systems may manifest themselves:
- Central nervous system: dizziness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, increased excitability, anxiety, irritability, rarely possible depressive state and disturbance of thinking.
- Sensory organs: ringing in the ears, visual impairment.
- Heart, vascular system and hematopoiesis: a sharp increase in blood pressure, leukopenia, vasodilation, heart palpitations.
- Respiratory organs: cough, rhinitis, pharyngitis. However, such side effects are extremely rare.
- Gastrointestinal tract: digestive system disorders, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, flatulence, pancreatitis. In rare cases - anorexia, increased appetite.
- Genitourinary system: decreased potency, incontinence. Are very rare.
- Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, increased fragility of bones.
- Allergic reaction: itching, skin rash, fever.
- Other external reactions: swelling, acne, discoloration of teeth.
Special instructions for use and precautions
gabapentin does not cause withdrawal syndrome, but discontinuation of treatment is best done gradually, within 1 week.
The patient may exhibit suicidal tendencies, so you need to monitor during the treatment period. 
Patients with diabetes mellitus during the treatment with gabapentin should monitor blood sugar levels.
The manifestation of signs of pancreatitis indicates the need to stop treatment with this drug. If a patient has symptoms of pancreatitis, you should immediately call your doctor and conduct a thorough examination.
In connection with such side effects as drowsiness and confusion of thinking, it is better for a patient to stop driving a car and engage in activities that require concentration and increased mental activity.
The drug is dispensed only by prescription.
Interaction with other drugs
No single use of gabapentin with antacids is recommended, because these drugs reduce the effectiveness of gabapentin.
Therefore, if there is a need to combine such medicines, then between taking antacids and gabapentin should do a several-hour break.
The excretion of gabapentin impairs cimetidine.
Does not affect the effectiveness of gabapentin combination with other antiepileptic drugs, as well as with drugs that block tubular secretion and with oral contraceptives.
Storage terms and conditions
The drug must be applied within 2 years from the date of manufacture. Keep in a warm, dry place inaccessible to children.
The cost of the drug
The price of the drug Gabapentin is 300-400 rubles.
Reviews of patients and doctors about the drug Gabapentin
Reviews about the effectiveness of the drug a little. Although, some patients note that Gabapentin prescribed a doctor for them as a safer means than they used to do before.
But although the instructions for use state that gabapentin does not cause withdrawal, it is not unusual for patients to feel worse after discontinuing treatment with this drug.
is noted for drowsiness, apathy, unwillingness to do anything, some people have suicidal thoughts against the background of increased irritability and resentment.
Doctors say that you can not cancel the drug yourself.
If a patient is concerned about any side effects, he should contact a specialist to adjust the course of treatment and, if necessary, select a different drug.
With the abolition of gabapentin, many physicians prescribe antidepressants to patients to reduce the risk of a negative reaction of the body.
Advantages of Gabapentin:
- , in comparison with analogues, rarely causes side effects;
- a small list of contraindications;
- possibility of using the drug in complex therapy;
- low risk of overdose;
- is relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages of GABAPENTIN:
- Possibility of development of withdrawal syndrome;
- risk of developing a depressed state and the appearance of suicidal thoughts;
- may have a negative effect on patients with diabetes mellitus;
- often causes acute pancreatitis.
Analogues of the drug
Consider the analogues of gabapentin better.
Gababamma
Also belongs to the group of antiepileptic drugs. The active substance is gabapentin( 300 or 400 mg per capsule).Dosage form is capsules.
The order of administration, indications and contraindications, possible side effects and precautions are similar to gabapentin.
Advantage is a longer shelf life - 5 years.
Deprecated by prescription.
The cost of the drug is from 270 to 850 rubles.
Neurotin
Antiepileptic agent. The active ingredient of the drug is gabapentin( 600-800 mg).Produced in the form of tablets. 
The order of administration, indications and contraindications, possible side effects and precautions are similar to gabapentin.
As a rule, this drug is used as a component of complex therapy.
Deprecated by prescription.
The cost of Neurotin is 1400-3000 rubles.
A drug from the group of antiepileptics. The active ingredient is gabapentin( 100, 300 and 400 mg in the capsule).
Indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia.
In comparison with gabapentin, the order of taking the drug and the dosage are different. Contraindications, possible side effects and precautions are similar to Gabapentin.
Deprecated by prescription.
The price of the drug: 350-550 rubles.
