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Overview of Gabapentin
Electrical signals are transmitted by nerve cells to the brain, which contain information that guides the proper functioning and behavior of the body. Sometimes, there can be abnormal changes in the brain’s electrical activity, which translates to rapid and uncoordinated bursts of electrical energy that affect the normal functioning of the human body.
A medication that effectively solves this condition alongside its symptoms is crucially required. A medication known as Gabapentin is said to be able to treat seizures and relieve their symptoms. However, how effective is his medication in the treatment of seizures? Based on clinical trials, has it been found to manage the condition or effectively treat it? Will use Gabapentin cure seizures completely in the long run, and what are the potential side effects of this medication?
Our team made it our duty to research Gabapentin to help gain deeper insight into the working of this medication. With much research and study, we have put together answers to these questions and more on using Gabapentin for seizures in this all-in-one product review.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin belongs to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. These medications are believed to be able to treat epilepsy and other types of seizures. Due to their link with the nervous system, they are further believed to be able to treat anxiety and neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is specifically used to treat neuropathic pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central pain. According to a medical trial by PubMed, “Around 50% of the persons taking Gabapentin experienced a 25% or greater reduction in seizures.” Gabapentin is a prescribed medication with FDA approval that treats seizures and helps relieve pain.
The medication is sold under the name “Neurontin” and has been the subject of many seizure-related studies. Since it is believed that Gabapentin treats seizures by reducing the electrical activity in the brain, it raises the question of just how much Gabapentin has to offer in the neurological field of medicine and its potential side effects. Let’s find out for sure with real facts from this review.
How Does Gabapentin Rate?
Brand Highlights
- It is FDA approved since 1993
- It is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
- Gabapentin has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Available as an immediate-release oral medication
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Pros
- It is available in the low-cost generic form
- Easily accessible with a prescription
- Generally well tolerated with minimal side effects for most people
- Dosage is easy to adjust and modify.
- Available in pills and oral solutions
- Believed to be effective off-label for conditions like anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and Bipolar disorders.
Cons
- Requires consistent, long-term use
- Reacts negatively with some other medications
- People with kidney problems need to take a lower dose
- Suddenly stopping the medications can cause withdrawal symptoms
Who is the Manufacturer of Gabapentin?
Researchers at Parke-Davis created Gabapentin as a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA, intending to develop a compound that could readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Its initial documentation dates back to 1975, when Satzinger and Hartenstein provided the first drug description.
How Does Gabapentin Work?
Gabapentin, as the name implies, is involved in neurotransmitter functioning in the brain, particularly the gamma-aminobutyric acid prevalently known as GABA. This neurotransmitter inhibits and regulates the activity of brain cells. Since we have established that seizures result from over-excitement or other abnormal electrical activities in the brain, a proper regulatory agent is believed to be crucial in controlling such activities.
This line of thought brought about the development of an inhibitor that reduces neuronal excitability, thereby preventing the uncoordinated electrical activity in the brain. Gabapentin binds to specific sites known as ?2? subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels. An extensive study by PubMed proposes that the medication works by modifying the function of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the brain. The effect, in turn, translates into regulating the release of neurotransmitters, including GABA, in the brain. The research study claims that this modulation helps to reduce the abnormal firing of neurons and dampens the transmission of pain signals. However, it is vital to note that this proposed theory has yet to be proven correct.
One critical factor to note in the functioning of Gabapentin is that, unlike barbiturates and benzodiazepines, it does not bind directly to the GABA receptors but interacts with the calcium channels, indirectly influencing neurotransmitters’ release. This unique mechanism of action sets Gabapentin apart from other anticonvulsant medications.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Gabapentin Ingredients: Are they Safe & Effective?
We deeply researched the key ingredients used in the formulation of the Gabapentin medication and found that the active ingredient in Gabapentin is, unsurprisingly, Gabapentin itself.
Gabapentin
The active ingredient, Gabapentin, is the primary component responsible for the therapeutic effects of the medication in managing seizures, neuropathic pain, and other related conditions. Its precise formulation and dosage are essential to achieving optimal treatment outcomes and ensuring patient safety.
Following our in-depth research on Gabapentin ingredients, we confirm that they are vital in the therapeutic effects of the medication in managing seizures, neuropathic pain, and other related conditions.
Gabapentin Formula
The Gabapentin medication combines a mix of active USP, Gabapentin, and inactive ingredients like corn starch and talc, which regulate the electrical activity in the brain and ultimately treat seizures.
Benefits of Gabapentin
- Effective in reducing seizures.
- Treats various seizure types.
- It can be used alone or with other medications.
- Generally, safe and well-tolerated.
- It does not usually cause sedation.
- Available in different forms for easy administration.
- Provides rapid seizure control
- Suitable for long-term use.
- It helps manage neuropathic pain.
- It offers additional benefits like reducing anxiety and improving sleep
Gabapentin – Safety, Side Effects
Safety
Individuals prescribed Gabapentin should communicate openly with their doctor regarding any changes they observe during the treatment, particularly if the changes are tilting toward the negative. While the medication has proven effective in many medical studies, its use should be strictly by prescription of a certified health care professional only.
Side Effects
It has been discovered that Gabapentin has several side effects, especially when combined with certain types of medications or with underlying health issues like kidney problems. However, not everyone experiences these side effects; some people undergo treatment with little to no side effects. Some common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, coordination problems, and blurred vision.
Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur, and some individuals may experience mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems. In rare cases, Gabapentin can cause more serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, respiratory depression, or severe skin reactions.
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| Product Name | Form/Dosage | Benefits | Money Back Guarantee | Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pregabalin | Capsule, tablet, or Liquid | Treats epilepsy, nerve pain, and anxiety disorders | 30-day return policy | Adults under 65 years |
| Amitriptyline | Tablets | Treats neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia | 30-day return policy | Adults over the age of 18 |
| Carbamazepine | Tablet, capsule, or suspension | Treats seizures in people with epilepsy. Restless legs syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia | 90-day return policy | Adults and children over the age of 12 |
Gabapentin FAQs
Q: What is Gabapentin also used for?
A: Aside from its effectiveness in treating seizures, Gabapentin can also be used to relieve the nerve pain caused by a condition known as shingles in adults. It is also used as an anti-epileptic and anticonvulsant medication.
Q: What is the most common side effect of Gabapentin?
A: The side effects are common to most Gabapentin users, including drowsiness, dizziness, and dullness. More serious side effects can include weight loss, weight gain, and issues with nervous coordination.
Q: Can Gabapentin be used as a painkiller?
A: Gabapentin is not a painkiller and is best classified as an anticonvulsant. However, Gabapentin has been proven to relieve and treat nerve pain.
Q: What conditions are treated with Gabapentin?
A: Gabapentin is specifically designed to treat seizures and other conditions associated with uncoordinated nervous behavior due to abnormal electrical signals in the brain. It also includes epilepsy.
Q: What happens to our bodies when we take Gabapentin?
A: Usually, you experience dizziness, drowsiness, lack of focus, and vision changes. Understanding how your body reacts to this medication before engaging in demanding tasks after use is vital.
Q: Does Gabapentin Interact with Various Drugs?
A: Based on the details on the label of the medications, Gabapentin can interact with losartan, ethacrynic acid, caffeine, phenytoin, mefloquine, magnesium oxide, cimetidine, naproxen, sevelamer, and morphine. Gabapentin use is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis or myoclonus.
Q: Where Can I Buy Gabapentin?
A: Gabapentin is available at most pharmacies and over the counter. However, you can only get it on a prescription basis due to the regulations surrounding the medication. It comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid that you swallow.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
What Do the Gabapentin Reviews Say?
We discovered that a larger percentage of people who used Gabapentin attested to its ability to help treat seizures. Individuals who used other medications before switching to Gabapetrin also confirmed improved seizure treatment. Several users expressed concerns regarding side effects like weight loss and weight gain. Gabapentin has an average of 7.0 ratings from the brand’s website and other sites like WebMD.
Gimpy, one of the top reviewers, said,
I have been on this medicine for 10 years now and have my seizures under control with 1200 mg daily. A neurologist placed it after trying Dilantin and Depakote. I did not realize it could help my anxiety and restless legs, and migraines. I had terrible headaches before I was on Gabapentin, and now I have all these things under control. I did gain 30lbs when we added an antidepressant
Egpeter reported fast recovery in a short while of using Gabapentin.
I have suffered from Trigeminal Neurology for six years, and after the first half of an 800mg pill, I recovered instantly. Then I took an 800mg pill at once every two days. Gabapentin gave me hope to continue my life.
An anonymous reviewer confirmed the effectiveness of the medication, although alongside progressive weight loss.
I was also given Gabapentin along with Keppra for seizures. The seizures seem to be under control, and I am happy with the results, but unlike the first comment, I have not gained any weight. I have lost like 70 pounds.
Pharmacist Review of Gabapentin by Rph Garrett Campbell from Drugtalk
GABAPENTIN (NEURONTIN) – PHARMACIST REVIEW – #14 (Video Credit: YouTube)
The user reviews from our sources showed that 63% of users had a positive experience with the medication, and 27% had a negative experience with the usage. With the stats in hand, we do recommend Gabapentin for the treatment of seizures. It is essential to note that dosage and combination with other drugs can make a difference in whether it gives a positive or negative experience with the medication. Do well to use as prescribed by a licensed health care professional.
Conclusion
Based on our research, we have been able to establish Gabapentin as an effective medication in treating seizures as well as some off-label conditions like anxiety. Most users of this medication had a positive experience, even compared to other drug alternatives.
More research is ongoing into the many more benefits Gabapentin offers, especially where neurological disorders are concerned, and how to effectively curb its mild side effects. Gabapentin is worth a try as long as a valid prescription supports it.
NB: Product reviews are provided for informational purposes only and reflect solely the contributors’ views and opinions, not those of Consumer Health Digest. We do not verify or endorse any claims made in these reviews. Please read the full product reviews disclaimer. *All individuals are unique. The results can and will vary
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