What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin comes under the drug class anticonvulsants. It has the same chemical structure as GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), a chemical or neurotransmitter produced in the human brain. GABA is responsible for reducing the excitability of the brain neurons. GABA helps in toning down the seizures along with pain signal transmission. As Gabapentin mirrors the effect of GABA, it helps calm down the excited neurons and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.

How Does It Work?

Gabapentin starts blocking the pain signals that travel from the spinal cord to the brain activating the feeling of nerve pain. On the other hand, Gabapentin stops the seizure jerks by controlling excitement and abnormal activities of the nerve. GABA has a calming impact on the brain. And, due to nerve damage, the functionalities of GABA can get impaired. Taking Gabapentin helps in filling up the work of GABA at such points. Controlling seizures and nerve pain are the biggest benefits of Gabapentin. Due to the calming effect on nerves, the medicine helps enormously during anxiety attacks as well.

Important Considerations

You can take Gabapentin with or without food.

Gabapentin usually does not leave the patients with any serious side effects. Issues like mild drowsiness and dizziness are common and go away very soon.

If you have bought high-dosage Gabapentin, you can break the tablet in two halves and have the second half during the next dosage. Keep in mind that, you cannot keep the second half of the medicine for more than 28 days and then have it.

If you are taking any antacid along with Gabapentin that contains magnesium alloy, you need to wait for at least 2 hours after you take it. Then, you can take your next dose of Gabapentin.

If you are taking the liquid form of Gabapentin, you must use the medicated measuring spoon for that. Don’t use a kitchen spoon for this purpose.