Gabapentin is one of the most prominent medications used among neurological patients, due to its effectiveness in relieving nerve pain resulting from a variety of diseases, in addition to its role in treating anxiety and some other conditions. What is Gabapentin and what are its components? What are the indications for using Gabapentin tablets? What are the side effects and contraindications for its use? We will answer all these questions  Dalili Medical  this article, so follow us.

**What is Gabapentin?**

 

Gabapentin contains the active ingredient gabapentin, which is characterized by a chemical composition similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This drug helps reduce the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which contributes to a feeling of relaxation. Therefore, Gabapentin is used effectively to relieve pain and reduce seizures, and is considered an anticonvulsant drug.

**What are the components of Gabapentin?**

 

Gabapentin consists of the active ingredient gabapentin, which works to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which helps in treating epileptic seizures. This substance also interferes with pain signals that travel between the brain and the lower spine, which helps relieve nerve pain and migraines.

**Is Gabapentin an alternative to Tramadol?**

 

Gabapentin is not an alternative to Tramadol, as the indications for using the two drugs are different. Tramadol is used as a pain reliever for moderate to severe or chronic pain, while Gabapentin's pain-relieving effect is relatively less than Tramadol. However, some addicts have resorted to using Gabapentin as an alternative to Tramadol due to its availability and the high price of Tramadol, in an attempt to achieve a feeling of euphoria and relaxation.

**Is Gabapentin used for sexual purposes?**

 

Some people believe that Gabapentin can be used to improve sexual performance, thinking that it helps delay ejaculation. However, using Gabapentin without medical supervision and in high doses for long periods may lead to sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and loss of the ability to ejaculate.

**How ​​does gabapentin work in the body?**

 

Gabapentin affects the central nervous system, targeting a specific type of nerve receptor known as alpha-2 delta receptors. These receptors play an important role in regulating the transmission of nerve signals. Here's how gabapentin works in simple terms:

1. It inhibits excessive nerve activity that can lead to seizures or pain.

2. Gabapentin increases the level of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which acts as an inhibitor, reducing the activity of nerve cells.

3. Gabapentin affects the mechanisms of pain sensation in the nervous system, which helps relieve chronic nerve pain.

**What are the types of Gabapentin?**

 

There are several types of Gabapentin tablets, each of which contains different concentrations, such as:

- Gabapentin 400 mg

- Gabapentin 300 mg

- Gabapentin 100 mg

**What is the dosage of Gabapentin capsules?**

 

The appropriate dosages for Gabapentin vary based on several factors, the most important of which are the type of disease, the patient's age, and his health condition. The doctor usually starts with low doses of Gabapentin and then gradually increases them. The following is an explanation of the dosages usually used to treat different diseases:

- **Gabapentin dosage to treat nerve pain resulting from herpes:** It usually starts with 300 mg on the first day, then increases to 600 mg on the second day, and 900 mg on the third day, and the maximum dose reaches 1800 mg.

- **Gabatin dosage for treating epileptic seizures:** The typical initial dose is 600 mg per day, and the doctor may increase the doses in the following days to reach 2400 - 3600 mg per day.

**Does Gabatin 300 treat premature ejaculation?**

 

No, Gabatin 300 is not intended to treat premature ejaculation, but is a drug used mainly to treat epilepsy and relieve chronic nerve pain resulting from nerve damage, in addition to some sleep disorders.

**Why does Gabatin 300 not treat premature ejaculation?**

 

Gabatin affects the central nervous system by modifying the transmission of nerve signals, and does not have a direct effect on the mechanism of ejaculation. There are also no studies or scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of Gabatin in treating premature ejaculation.

**What are the pharmaceutical forms of Gabatin?**

 

Gabatin is usually available in several pharmaceutical forms to facilitate its use and meet the different needs of patients. The most common form is tablets, which come in various concentrations of the active ingredient (gabapentin).

**The most prominent pharmaceutical forms of Gabapentin:**

- **Tablets:** The most common form, available in different concentrations such as 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg.

- **Capsules:** Contain the same active ingredient as tablets, but come in the form of easy-to-swallow capsules.

- **Extended-release tablets:** This type of tablet releases the active ingredient gradually over a longer period of time.

Why are the pharmaceutical forms varied?

 

The forms of Gabapentin generally vary to meet the diverse needs of patients and provide multiple treatment options. The doctor may recommend some patients to use extended-release tablets, as they require less frequent intake, while others may need flexible doses that can be easily adjusted through regular tablets.

**Why can Gabapentin lead to addiction?**

 

Gabapentin works to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety levels, making some individuals feel very comfortable and relaxed. These feelings may prompt them to increase the dose or continue taking the medication even after they no longer need it. When you suddenly stop taking gabapentin, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness, which prompts the person to return to taking the medication to relieve these symptoms.

**What is the relationship between gabapentin and sex?**

 

Some men use gabapentin believing that it may improve their sexual abilities and increase orgasm during sexual intercourse. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, and incorrect use of gabapentin may affectIt affects sexual abilities, leading to serious problems such as:

- Sexual weakness

- Impotence

- Loss of sexual desire

- Inability to ejaculate

**Is Gabapentin a treatment or a painkiller?**

 

Gabapentin is a multi-use drug, as it cannot be classified as a painkiller or a treatment only, but rather works on several levels in the nervous system, making it effective in treating a variety of conditions, such as epilepsy, relieving nerve pain, treating sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.

**Does Gabapentin cause drowsiness?**

 

Yes, Gabapentin may cause drowsiness for some individuals, as drowsiness is a possible side effect of this drug.

**Does Gabapentin treat nerve inflammation?**

 

This drug is used to treat nerve pain in some people, such as those who suffer from nerve pain resulting from herpes or diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in the feet in diabetics). It also helps prevent and control seizures.

**Is Gabapentin a treatment or a painkiller?**

 

Gabapentin is commonly used to treat some types of nerve pain, and it belongs to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, not painkillers. Gabapentin works by affecting chemicals and nerves in the body that cause seizures and some types of nerve pain.

**Does Gabapentin cause weight gain?**

 

Gabapentin can cause weight gain, as weight gain is a possible side effect of this medication.

What are the medical uses of Gabapentin?

 

Gabapentin is used in several approved medical fields, including:

Gabapentin to treat premature ejaculation**Some people believe that Gabapentin can treat premature ejaculation in men, but this belief is incorrect. Although it may show a positive effect at first, continued use of the drug may lead to negative effects on sexual health, which may cause sexual weakness and may even lead to complete impotence.

**Treatment of seizures and partial epilepsy**Gabapentin is used to treat partial seizures in adults and children over 3 years of age.

**Treatment of nerve pain associated with herpes** If gabapentin is considered a drug. Shingles is a painful rash that appears years after chickenpox, where the virus that causes chickenpox remains dormant in the nerves. This dormant virus can be activated for several reasons, often due to stress or weak immunity, leading to the appearance of the rash. This rash causes severe pain for the infected person, so using gabapentin to control this pain is one of the most prominent indications for its use. The nerve pain that follows shingles is known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

**Treatment of restless legs syndrome**Restless legs syndrome is characterized by several symptoms, such as a feeling of discomfort in the legs, especially during sleep or at times when the legs are not active. The person experiences uncomfortable symptoms, such as pulling, pulling, itching or burning, which leads to great discomfort.

Difficulty staying asleep or the desire to move limbs due to pain or other symptoms can cause sleep disturbances. In addition to the mentioned uses of Gabapentin, there are some other uses, such as:

- Fibromyalgia

- Treating alcohol and cocaine withdrawal symptoms

- Neuropathy resulting from complications of diabetes.

GAPTIN drug concentrations:

GAPTIN is available in pharmacies in several concentrations, including:

1. GAPTIN 100**: These are tablets containing 100 mg of gabapentin, and are used to relieve migraines and treat peripheral nerve pain associated with diabetes.

**2. GAPTIN 300: **These capsules contain 300 mg of the active ingredient, and contribute to relieving spinal pain and disorders resulting from chemical imbalance in the brain, such as hyperactivity and depression.

**3. GAPTIN 400:**These capsules are characterized by a higher concentration of the active ingredient Gabapentin, and are used to treat patients with epilepsy and diabetic neuritis.

**Side effects of Gabapentin:**

When using Gabapentin, you may experience some side effects, including:

1. **Difficulty walking:** You may feel heavy in your body, which affects your ability to walk normally, due to the effect of Gabapentin on the muscles and nerves associated with the legs.

2. **Blurred vision:** The drug affects the vision centers in the brain, which may lead to blurred vision. If you are allergic to the active ingredient, you may find it difficult to see clearly. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately if any side effects appear that affect your health.

3. Calm and relaxation**: Gabapentin directly affects the nerves, leading to a feeling of relaxation and calm at first, as a result of the secretion of the GABA hormone, which contributes to a feeling of happiness.

4. Body swelling**: The drug may also cause swelling in the legs, face and extremities when you start using it, and you may feel tingling in different parts of your body due to the effect of gabapentin on the nerves, in addition to the accumulation of fluids in the body, which leads to swelling.

5. Dry throat**: Gabapentin also causes a feeling of dryness in the mouth due to a lack of saliva secretion, in addition to inflammation of the pharynx and bronchi.

**Long-term damage of GAPTIN pills:**

The damage of Gabapentin pills is evident in the following points:

1. **Skin problems:** Gabapentin pills may cause skin problems such as rashes and yellowing of the skin, as a result of their effect on the nerve centers responsible for skin health.

2. **General weakness:** The use of Gabapentin leads to temporary memory impairment, in addition to physical weakness that makes the patient unable to perform normal daily activities.

3. **Increased heart rate:** Taking gabapentin affects the heart, which may lead to an increase in heart rate, and increases the possibility of serious damage such as heart attacks.

4. **Digestive disorders:** Long-term use of Gabapentin can lead to stomach pain and digestive disorders, which may cause significant changes in appetite and weight.

5. **Sexual disorders:** Gabapentin directly affects the nerves of the reproductive system, which may lead to erectile dysfunction when used for a long time.

**Tips and warnings when using Gabapentin:**

 

If your doctor prescribes Gabapentin to treat your condition, it is important to follow some tips and warnings to ensure optimal use of the drug:

**Drug interactions of Gabapentin:** Interactions of this drug with other drugs can cause complications, including:

- Insomnia and epilepsy medications.

- Allergy and cold medications.

- Muscle relaxants.

- Narcotic medications.

- Antacids.

- Amitriptyline.

- Fluoxetine.

- Hydrocodone.

- Morphine painkillers.

- Fentanyl.

- Lorisidone.

- Naproxen.

**Gabtin alternatives:** There are similar drugs that contain the same active ingredient, including:

- Neurontin.

- Confentin.

- Gabimash.

- Neuroglobin.

There are also alternative drugs that contain different active ingredients but have a similar effect, such as:

- Lyrica.

- Pregaba.

- Lerolin.

**What is the difference between Gabtin and Lyrica?**

 

Gabtin contains the active ingredient gabapentin, which is used to treat epilepsy and relieve nerve pain. While Lyrica pills contain the active ingredient pregabalin, which also helps reduce seizures and relieve nerve pain. Therefore, Lyrica can be considered an alternative to Gabtin.

**Important tips when using Gabapentin**

 

Gabapentin is effective in treating many conditions, but it requires correct use and attention to some important points to ensure maximum benefit from it and avoid unwanted side effects. Here are some tips to follow:

- **Adherence to the dose:** Be careful not to increase or decrease the dose prescribed by the doctor without consulting him.

- **Taking the medicine at the same time:** Try to take the medicine at the same time every day to ensure the stability of the medicine level in the blood.

- **Gradual discontinuation:** If you want to stop taking Gabapentin, this should be done gradually and under medical supervision, as sudden discontinuation may lead to complications.

- **Reporting side effects:** If you notice any unexpected or disturbing side effects, you should inform your doctor immediately.

- **Caution when driving:** Since Gabapentin may cause drowsiness and dizziness, caution should be exercised when driving or operating heavy machinery.

**Before starting the medication**

Please inform your doctor about all medications and nutritional supplements you are using, as Gabapentin can interact with some other medications.

If you are allergic to any medication or substance, you should inform your doctor before starting treatment.

Talk to your doctor about all health conditions you suffer from, such as kidney and liver disease, in addition to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is recommended to take Gabapentin two hours apart from antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium.

You should avoid doing activities that require high concentration and alertness, such as using sharp tools or driving a car while taking Gabapentin.

It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as drug interactions can occur between Gabapentin and many medications and nutritional supplements.

Gabapentin should not be stopped suddenly, as this may increase the risk of seizures if the medication is used for this purpose, or to cause withdrawal symptoms.

When planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, you should inform your doctor about this, as Gabapentin may affect fetal development or be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about the treatment options available in this case.

**Warnings:**

If you suffer from lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or low glucose, you should avoid using Gabapentin. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have already started taking it.

Do not take this medicine if you are taking a certain type of drug, as this may put you at risk of overdose, which poses a major threat to your health.

Avoid using the medicine if you suffer from breathing problems or kidney function disorders, as you may be at risk of kidney failure during treatment.

Driving while taking Gabapentin is not recommended, as it may cause you to feel sleepy, nauseous or dizzy, which increases the risk of accidents.

You should avoid taking the medicine if you are allergic to gabapentin or any of its other ingredients.

It is also prohibited to use it in cases of severe depression or suicidal thoughts, as depression must be treated with other medications. It is important to consult a doctor if you are taking the medicine and then develop symptoms of depression.

**Gabtin interactions with other medications**

 

Gabtin interactions with other medications can change the way the drug affects the brain or reduce its effectiveness. Here is a list of medications that may interact with Gabtin:

- Opioid pain relievers.

- Cough medicines, such as "codeine" and "hydrocodone".

- Alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis products.

- Medications to treat sleep and anxiety disorders, such as "lorazepam", "alprazolam", and "zolpidem".

- Muscle relaxants, such as "cyclobenzaprine" and "carisoprodol".

- Antihistamines, such as "cetirizine" and "diphenhydramine".

**How ​​to treat Gabtin addiction**

 

If you are using Gabtin without medical supervision and have become addicted to it, it is necessary to quickly seek treatment to get rid of this addiction permanently and painlessly. Here are the basic steps to treat Gabapentin addiction:

1. **Medical examination:** A comprehensive medical examination is conducted to assess your health condition and understand the effect of the drug on you. Based on this, a customized treatment plan is developed that suits your needs to get rid of Gabapentin addiction.

2.**Detoxification:**   At this stage, you must completely stop taking the drug. You will undergo a detoxification process, while adhering to a comprehensive drug program to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This stage usually takes 10 to 15 days, and can be done without feeling pain.

3. **Psychological rehabilitation:**   This involves psychological sessions with a specialist therapist, where you will learn about the reasons that led to your addiction to the drug. The therapist will help you control thoughts of drug use and provide you with new ways to deal with your problems, which reduces the chances of returning to addiction.

4. **Social rehabilitation and relapse prevention:**   This stage is vital, as you need to connect with others to avoid the desire to return to drug use. You are supported in building a positive social network that helps you continue your recovery.