Legal Classification of Medication
POM
Gabapentin can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
Gabapentin is available as tablets and capsules. The strength available in tablets 600mg and 800mg. The strength available in capsules is 100mg and 400mg.
Class of Drug
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.
Indications
How does it work?
The nerves communicate through coordinated electrical signals, epileptic fits or pain originating from nerves occurs when the coordination between nerve signals is lost. Gabapentin works by preventing the abnormal activity occurring in the nerves therefore producing a calming effect.
How is it taken?
Gabapentin should be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
For the treatment of epilepsy 300mg is taken on day one, then 300mg twice daily on day two, then 300mg three times a day on day three. The doctor will decide what the maintenance dose will be according to response in symptoms. Neuropathic pain is treated using similar dosage regime as for epilepsy, the patient must be over the age of 18 for the treatment of nerve pain.
Patients should be withdrawn from gabapentin gradually as abrupt withdrawal may cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating.
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
Gabapentin should be avoided in pregnancy and breast feeding.
Contra-indications
Patients should not take gabapentin if they are allergic to any of the ingredients and should not be used in severe kidney impairment.
Side-effects
