This molecule, mainly used to treat epilepsy and pain, can also have effects against insomnia. How long does it take to work? Discovery of gabapentin with Dr. Patrick Lemoine, sleep psychiatrist.
Definition: what is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a antiepileptic substance which mimics a substance naturally present in the brain: gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). Although its mode of action is not well known, it could potentially capable of intervening in areas of the brain (particularly the neocortex and the hippocampus) where it would play a anticonvulsant and analgesic role.
In what drugs?
A considerable number of drugs contain gabapentin. On the one hand, there are all the generic drugs based on gabapentin. Almost each of these laboratories offers drugs in different dosages, most often in 100, 300, 400, 600 and 800mg. On the other hand, gabapentin is present in the Neurontin®a drug that can also be dosed in five different ways.
What is the onset of action of gabapentin?
The effect is maximum after 3 a.m. and lasts 5 to 7 a.m.. The total dose per day should be taken into three equivalent doses per day and the maximum interval should not not exceed 12 hours.
What are the indications for gabapentin?
“Gabapentin is is a anticonvulsant also used to support neurological pain such as those caused by shingles“, explains Dr. Patrick Lemoine, psychiatrist specializing in sleep. “But it is also used in case of peripheral neuropathic pain encountered in diabetic neuropathies or those following a herpesand it serves to fight epileptic seizures“. Alternatively, gabapentin can be used in combination with morphine as’complementary analgesicespecially for severe pain occurring in cancer of the nervous system, especially the peripheral neuropathies. Studies also show its interest in the alcohol withdrawalinstead of benzodiazepines.
What are the effects of gabapentin on sleep?
According to one study carried out in June 2017, taking gabapentin at doses of 1800 mg to 3600 mg/day reduces pain intensity And “is associated with significant beneficial effects in terms of sleep disorders, fatigue and depression, as well as quality of life (…)”. “If the positive effects on sleep are linked to the disappearance of the pain which is one of the main causes of insomniagabapentin also improves sleep duration and quality“, says Dr. Lemoine. Finally, it is often prescribed for patients with insomnia related to Restless Leg Syndrome.
Can you drink alcohol while taking gabapentin?
“Like all drugs acting on the central nervous system, it is not not recommended to consume alcohol which increases the risk of adverse effects“, says our expert.
What are the side and adverse effects of Gabapentin?
Taking it can be responsible for:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Difficulties coordinating movements and difficulties speech
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Aggressiveness
More rarely, and paradoxically, gabapentin is sometimes at the origin of a increased frequency of epileptic seizures (especially at the start of treatment) or a modification of their characteristics.
Is gabapentin a drug?
“This drug basically works as a mild tranquilizerproducing in some users a cannabis-like euphoria“, says Dr. Lemoine. “He can therefore to be associated with a drug “. The potential of dependency is low for gabapentin, but a gradual weaning is necessary.
What are the contraindications of gabapentin?
This treatment should not be taken in case of:
- Hypersensitivity Or allergy to the active substance
- He can interact with the morphine : talk to your doctor before taking it.
Can pregnant women take gabapentin?
A desire for pregnancy requires medical advice take in account the risks of malformations observed in children born to mothers treated with antiepileptics. The effect of this drug during pregnancy is not well known. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, consult your doctor. Suddenly stopping antiepileptic treatment exposes you to the reappearance of seizures that are detrimental to the mother and the unborn child.
What are the symptoms when stopping gabapentin?
This treatment should not be stopped abruptly at the risk of seeing epileptic seizures return. If necessary, a gradual decrease doses may be considered, always under medical supervision.
Thanks to Dr. Patrick Lemoine, sleep psychiatrist.