Gabapin 100: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Gabapin, Gabapin 100 mg, Gabapin 100 capsule, Gabapentin 100 mg
Gabapin 100 is a prescription capsule containing 100 mg of gabapentin, used to treat nerve pain and some types of seizures in epilepsy. It belongs to a group called gabapentinoids. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, some people become dependent on it, and it must not be stopped suddenly. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription.
- Active ingredient
- Gabapentin 100 mg
- Type of medicine
- Gabapentinoids
- Used for
- Epilepsy, Neuropathic (nerve) pain
- Starts working in
- Often needs days to weeks to judge the effect; the dose is usually built up gradually
- Effect lasts
- Taken several times a day on a regular schedule, as your doctor directs
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; swallow whole with water
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can add to drowsiness and dizziness; best avoided, ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Not generally recommended unless the benefit outweighs the risk; ask your doctor and do not stop on your own
- Habit-forming
- Some people can become dependent; never stop suddenly
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Gabapin 100 used for?
- How does Gabapin 100 work?
- How to take Gabapin 100
- Side effects of Gabapin 100
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Gabapin 100
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Gabapin 100 used for?
Gabapin 100 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to relieve nerve pain and to treat some types of seizures.
- Relieving nerve pain, such as pain after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia) or nerve damage from diabetes
- Treating some types of seizures in epilepsy, as decided by a doctor
How does Gabapin 100 work?
Gabapentin binds to a protein on nerve cells and reduces the release of chemical messengers that carry over-active signals. This calms nerve activity, which can reduce nerve pain and make seizures less likely.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the capsule
The capsule dissolves in the gut and gabapentin is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
It travels in the blood
Gabapentin is carried around the body and reaches the brain and the nerves.
It settles over-active nerves
In nerve cells it attaches to a protein that helps release chemical messengers, so fewer over-active pain and seizure signals pass on.
Pain or seizure signals ease
With less over-active signalling, nerve pain can lessen and seizures can become less likely. It may take days or weeks to judge the effect.
The body clears it
Gabapentin leaves the body mainly through the kidneys, so people with kidney problems may need a different dose. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal.
How to take Gabapin 100
Take Gabapin 100 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken at regular times each day, with the dose built up gradually.
- It can be taken with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with water; do not chew them.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is within 2 hours of the next dose; then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
- Do not stop suddenly, even if you feel better. Your doctor reduces the dose gradually.
- If you take an antacid for indigestion, take it at least 2 hours apart from gabapentin.
Side effects of Gabapin 100
Many side effects are mild and ease within a week or two, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Mood changes
- Swollen arms and legs
- Blurred vision or dry mouth
- Weight gain, memory problems or headache
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. Get help at once; this can start within a week of treatment
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get emergency help
- Slow or shallow breathing, or severe drowsiness
- Yellow skin or eyes, high temperature, swollen glands, or unusual bruising or bleeding
- Long-lasting stomach pain with nausea or vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Gabapin 100, or need extra care while taking it.
- Dependence: some people become addicted, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal or, in epilepsy, seizures that do not stop. Tell your doctor if you have ever misused a medicine
- Lung or breathing conditions such as COPD or severe asthma
- Kidney problems: the dose may need adjusting
- Pregnancy: not generally recommended unless benefits outweigh risks; if taken for epilepsy, do not stop and contact your doctor urgently
- Breastfeeding: usually possible if the baby is healthy, but check with your doctor
- Driving or using machinery: avoid until you know how it affects you
Medicines and things that interact with Gabapin 100
Gabapin 100 can add to the effects of other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Antacids (indigestion remedies): can reduce absorption; take gabapentin at least 2 hours apart
- Strong painkillers such as morphine: can cause marked tiredness and dizziness
- Some antidepressants and antipsychotics: check with a doctor or pharmacist first
- Alcohol and herbal remedies that cause drowsiness: effects can add up
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed can cause dizziness, sleepiness, double vision, slurred speech or fainting. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you. Do not drive yourself.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip or pack, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a prescription medicine. Gabapin 100 contains gabapentin only. The schedule and regulatory position are to be confirmed from the pack and the Drugs Rules.
Other brands with the same medicine
Gabapentin 100 mg capsules are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Do not switch products without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Gabapentin is sold in other strengths and forms. The strength is printed on the pack and is not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Gabapin 100 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Gabapentin is a prescription medicine in India. Take it only if a doctor has prescribed it, and do not start, stop or change it on your own.
What is Gabapin 100 used for?
It is used to relieve nerve pain, such as pain after shingles, and to treat some types of seizures. A doctor decides whether it suits you, for which condition and for how long.
Can Gabapin 100 cause dependence?
Yes, some people become addicted, and stopping suddenly can cause anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, pain and sweating. Tell your doctor if you have ever misused a medicine. Never stop on your own.
Can I stop Gabapin 100 suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal and, in epilepsy, seizures that do not stop. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually. Talk to them first, even if you feel better.
Can I drive while taking Gabapin 100?
It can cause sleepiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you, and ask your doctor.
Can I take Gabapin 100 with an antacid?
Antacids can reduce how much gabapentin your body absorbs. If you need one, take it at least 2 hours before or after gabapentin, and ask your pharmacist.
What is the difference between Gabapin 100 and gabapentin 100 mg?
Gabapin is a brand name, and gabapentin is the medicine inside it. Generic gabapentin 100 mg capsules contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredients on the pack.