1. Control Seizures With Gabapentin
Gabapentin helps control seizure disorders like epilepsy, but can also alleviate migraines or can lesson the symptoms of bipolar disorder when combined with other medications. To treat seizures, doctors usually prescribe it in conjunction with other anti-seizure medications. Though Gabapentin is most often prescribed for adults, doctors occasionally use it to treat children with seizure disorders as well.
2. Not the Best Choice When You're Expecting
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or are breast-feeding your baby. Gabapentin is secreted through breast milk, but doctors don't yet know how it affects fetuses and newborns. Because these effects are unknown, Gabapentin isn't usually prescribed for pregnant women. Instead, you can use another seizure control medication that's safe for pregnant women.
3. Stay Consistent
Take your Gabapentin according to your doctor's directions and don't alter the dosage. Changing your dosage of Gabapentin suddenly or not taking it can increase your seizures and their severity. If you think you need to change your dosage, talk to your doctor first and let her help you determine the right dosage of Gabapentin for you. She can also prescribe another medication to work with the Gabapentin to lower your risk of seizures.
4. Recognize Side Effects
You might experience side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation and possible weight gain. Most of these effects will dissipate shortly after you begin taking Gabapentin regularly. If these side effects don't go away or if they worsen, contact your doctor. He can lower your dosage of Gabapentin safely or prescribe another medication in conjunction with the Gabapentin to help lessen the side effects.
5. Watch for Mood Swings
Some Gabapentin users experience mood swings or changes in their behavior and reactions to certain situations. In rare cases, this medication can make you experience increased feelings of anxiety, hostility, agitation and thoughts of suicide. Children under the age of twelve are especially sensitive to these behavioral changes. If you experience any of these mood or behavioral changes, notify your doctor immediately.
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