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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Review about gabapentin misuse, interactions, contraindications and side effects.
1Florida State University - Republic of Panama, Clayton, Panama.
Journal of Experimental Pharmacology
|February 23, 2017
Summary
Gabapentin misuse is a growing concern due to increased prescriptions and fatalities. This review highlights its risks, interactions, side effects, and contraindications for safe use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Drug Safety
Background:
- Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug, is increasingly prescribed.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential for misuse, adverse effects, and drug interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks associated with gabapentin misuse.
- To identify potential drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications for gabapentin use.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was conducted from 1983 to 2016.
- Included studies encompassed animal, clinical, case studies, and reviews using keywords: gabapentin, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic.
- Focused on gabapentin misuse, interactions, side effects, and contraindications.
Main Results:
- Gabapentin misuse is evident through rising prescriptions, fatalities, recreational use, and self-administration at higher doses.
- Reasons for misuse include recreational "highs," opioid withdrawal symptom alleviation, and potentiating methadone effects.
- Identified interactions with morphine, caffeine, losartan, and others. Documented side effects include teratogenicity, hypoventilation, respiratory failure, and myopathy.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin carries significant risks of misuse and adverse events.
- Contraindications include myasthenia gravis and myoclonus.
- Awareness of interactions and side effects is crucial for patient safety.
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