Gabapentin is a generic medicinal drug that comes in oral capsule form. Oral solutions of the drug can also be found at the medicine stores. Buyers can find this generic drug in different dosage strengths. As per the doctor’s prescription, one should purchase the dose of the drug. Generic Gabapentin 300mg is available under the Neurontin brand name in the UK and other parts of the world. Some other common brand names of the medicine are Horizant, Gralise, etc.
Gabapentin for the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Postherpetic neuralgia, also referred to as nerve pain, occurs due to the outbreak of shingles. Such a condition occurs when the chickenpox virus sits deeply on a person’s nerves. In such patients, frequent skin rashes are a common symptom.
Doctors prescribe antiviral medicines for the removal of shingles from the nerves. It takes around one week to remove shingles from the nerves in most cases. Antiviral medicine will escalate the process of removing the shingles. But, some patients experience the prolonged presence of shingles in nerves. As a result, postherpetic neuralgia happens. Due to postherpetic neuralgia, patients experience burning pain, and thus the disease is also termed nerve pain.
It is noteworthy that around 10-15% of chickenpox victims experience such nerve pain. When shingles remain on the nerves for a long time, doctors prescribe Gabapentin to such patients. The use of Gabapentin can reduce the pain or burning sensation.
The risk of postherpetic neuralgia is high among people over 60 years. However, young people can also experience the problem after being healed from chickenpox. For reducing the pain and providing comfort, Gabapentin is prescribed. Consumption of Gabapentin can remove shingles from the nerves within 3-4 weeks. Without Gabapentin, the shingles may exist for 4-6 weeks in patients.
Gabapentin for Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common nerve problem in many people. Due to restless leg syndrome, you may feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. People experience the symptom when they try to sleep. In night or evening, the symptom occurs. However, many people also experience problems in the daytime.
Restless leg syndrome can cause sleeping disorders, fatigue, etc. People with such syndrome face difficulty traveling long distances by car or flight. According to the experts, restless leg syndrome occurs due to a brain chemical or neurotransmitter known as dopamine. However, the exact cause of occurrence of this syndrome is still unknown.
In most cases, people tend to ignore restless leg syndrome. It does not cause any major physical complications. However, the syndrome can enhance physical fatigue for many people. Many people also develop sleeping disorders due to restless leg syndrome. From kids to adults, anyone can experience such syndrome. However, the complications of restless leg syndrome increase with age. When the syndrome leads to major physical complications, doctors prescribe Gabapentin to the patients. Consumption of Gabapentin has been found effective in managing restless leg syndrome.
Gabapentin Risks and Side-effects
Gabapentin has some side effects, and most people experience mild side effects of the drug. Some common side-effects of the medicine are dizziness, drowsiness, blurry vision, difficulty in concentration, leg and hand swelling, etc.
There are some serious side-effects too, and they are depression, suicidal tendency, serious allergic reactions, etc. Therefore, when you experience the side effects, you should not waste time consulting a doctor.
If you are on a regular dose of Gabapentin tablets, you should avoid cycling, driving a car, and many more. Consumption of Gabapentin can reduce concentration levels and natural brain reflexes. Nevertheless, dizziness and fatigue are the common side effects of the drug. Therefore, driving after consuming the Gabapentin tablets is risky. After consuming this medicine, one should avoid driving, working with sharp objects, and other such activities.
