People taking one of Britain’s most widely prescribed painkillers have been reminded by the NHS to watch for serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor right away.** Gabapentin, available only by prescription, is mainly used to treat nerve-related pain caused by conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, shingles, and restless legs syndrome.What Is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition across the UK. It’s estimated that around 10% of adults experience it, and about 2% deal with uncomfortable symptoms nearly every night. This means roughly 2.2 million people in the UK are likely to live with RLS at some point.Medicines used to treat RLS include alpha-2-delta ligands, such as pregabalin and gabapentin. The specific drug and dosage vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and whether other health conditions are present. In some cases, long-term treatment may be needed.What to Know About Gabapentin?Gabapentin is among the most frequently prescribed medications in Britain. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms, and can be taken by most adults and by children aged six and older. While the majority of users do not experience side effects, a small number of people report certain reactions.According to the NHS, “Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than one in 100 people. They’re usually mild and go away by themselves.”Gabapentin: Common Side EffectsFeeling sleepy, tired, or dizzyNausea or vomitingDiarrhoeaMood changesSwelling in the arms or legsBlurred visionDry mouthDifficulty getting an erectionWeight gainMemory problemsHeadachesGetting more infections than usualSome people may experience more serious side effects, such as thoughts of self-harm, swollen glands that do not go away, or persistent stomach pain, which can signal inflammation of the pancreas. The NHS emphasizes that these reactions are rare.Using gabapentin for an extended period may, in rare instances, lead to dependence, so regular medical supervision is advised while taking this medication.Who Can and Cannot Take Gabapentin?The prescribed dose of gabapentin depends on the condition being treated. For adults and older children (aged 12 and above), the usual dosage ranges from 900 mg to 3,600 mg per day, divided into three doses.For younger children under 12, a doctor will determine the right amount based on the child’s body weight.Doctors may recommend an alternative to gabapentin in some situations, such as:If the person has had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or similar medicinesIf they have a history of drug misuse or addictionIf they are pregnant or planning to become pregnantIf they are following a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, or have kidney problems, since the liquid form of gabapentin contains sodium and potassiumSpeaking to a doctor before starting or adjusting gabapentin is essential to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for each individual.
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