What is Gabapentin Tablets?
Gabapentin is a medication that is often prescribed to treat certain medical conditions, primarily epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It is available in various forms, including tablets and capsules. Gabapentin works by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in seizures and certain types of pain.
Gabapentin Tablets Use
- Epilepsy: Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It can help control and prevent seizures in individuals with various forms of epilepsy, including partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- Neuropathic Pain: Gabapentin is commonly prescribed to alleviate neuropathic pain, which is caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. It is often used for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and other neuropathic pain disorders. The medication helps to reduce the abnormal electrical activity in the nerves that contributes to pain.
- Off-Label Uses: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe Gabapentin off-label for conditions such as migraines, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and restless legs syndrome. Off-label use means using a medication for a purpose other than its officially approved indications.
Gabapentin Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Analog: Gabapentin is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but it does not directly bind to GABA receptors or affect GABA activity. Instead, it appears to indirectly increase the synthesis and release of GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate the activity of neurons, reducing their excitability.
- Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels: Gabapentin is thought to bind to specific voltage-gated calcium channels, particularly the α2δ subunit of these channels. By binding to this subunit, Gabapentin reduces the influx of calcium ions into neurons. This modulation of calcium channels can decrease the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, and decrease neuronal hyperexcitability.
Gabapentin Tablets – Side-effects
- Drowsiness or Sedation: Many people experience drowsiness, dizziness, or sedation while taking Gabapentin, especially when they first start the medication. It is essential to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is a common side effect and can increase the risk of falls, especially in older individuals.
- Coordination Problems: Some people may experience impaired coordination, leading to clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor skills.
- Fatigue: Gabapentin can cause fatigue or weakness in some individuals.
