Along with working on suppressing neuron hyperactivity causing the seizures, anticonvulsants prevent their occurrence as well for added symptomatic relief to the patient. Gabapentin is the first line of medication used in the treatment of neuropathic pain or pain caused as a result of damage to the somatosensory system.
Uses of Gabapentin
For focal Seizures
The brain of a human being is divided into 2 hemispheres with each hemisphere consisting of 4 lobes- frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Focal seizures are so called because they occur in any one of the lobes or one-half of the brain. Twitching or jerking muscle movements, uncontrolled tightening up of muscles, or repetitive/automatic movements in the form of smacking your lips, blinking, or tapping a hand or finger are some of the chief symptoms of a focal seizure. Left untreated it can lead to brain damage and affect the day-to-day functions of the sufferer.
The NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has recommended Gabapentin Australia for the treatment of focal seizures in an adjunctive manner along with the recommendation of medication for epilepsy conditions. The medication is initiated in starting doses of 300mg on day 1 with 600mg on day 2 and 900mg on day 3 of using the medication. The total dosage in adults is required not to exceed 1800 mg/day while in children the dose is determined as per the treatment plan of the physician.
For neuropathic pain
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathic pain symptomatizing in the form of stabbing pain with burning and tingling sensation. Gabapentin has also been shown to induce modulate transient receptor potential channels, NMDA receptors, protein kinase C and inflammatory cytokines with exercising its effect on the supra-spinal region. This results in stimulation of noradrenaline-mediated descending inhibition and subsequently anti-hypersensitivity action in neuropathic pain. Left untreated, the numbness, tingling, and burning caused by peripheral neuropathy will get worse over time. The damaged nerves will continue to send confusing messages to the brain in a gradually frequent manner until the spinal cord automatically starts sending the pain signals without accompanying stimuli.
Studies have shown gabapentin to be effective in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain at appropriate doses and treatment with a success rate of at least 50 percent pain reduction on regular use of the medication. The starting dose of Gabapentin in conditions of neuropathic pain is usually 300mg which is gradually increased to suit the analgesic needs of the patient. Usually, the maximum duration of treatment of neuropathic pain with Gabapentin is 5 months but if required it can be further increased as per the treatment plan of the physician.
Other uses of Gabapentin
Apart from conditions of seizures and neuropathic pain, Gabapentin is used for anxiety and in the treatment of sleep disorders in patients. It is also used off-label in the treatment of patients undergoing recovery from alcoholism. The dose of Gabapentin in these conditions is decided as per the guidance of the physician.
Don’t stay in a misconception that if you are above 18 years of age, you are eligible for Gabapentin. That is not true at all. Every drug comes with certain usage restrictions and so does Gabapentin. It is imperative that you would abide by those restrictions for sure. In case you are not sure, ask your doctor before you start taking the medication. It will help you keep off from its negative side effects for sure.
