TOP 10 available drugs analogues of Gabapentin

Prohibited during pregnancy

Prohibited during breastfeeding

Has restrictions for children

Has restrictions for older people

Has limitations for liver problems

Has limitations for kidney problems

Gabapentin is the most commonly used effective antiepileptic drug, available in oral capsule form. The active substance of the product is gabapentin, at a dosage of 300 mg per 1 capsule. The drug has an effective anticonvulsant and analgesic effect. The drug is prescribed to patients suffering from epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain, as well as to prevent them.

The medicine is strictly prohibited for use by pregnant women and breastfeeding patients.

Capsules are not prescribed to children under 6 years of age. During pregnancy, in some cases it may be prescribed, however, if the benefit to the mother outweighs the possible harm to the fetus. In case of hepatitis B the drug is contraindicated.

The drug rarely causes negative reactions in the body, but in some cases dyspepsia, loss of strength, drowsiness, and swelling may occur. Despite the fact that the drug is available in many pharmacies in Russia, some patients, due to individual intolerance or other circumstances, may be prescribed Gabapentin analogues, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main ones.

Composition and dosage form of the drug

The active compound of the drug is Gabapentin, which acts on specific centers of the brain. Effective for relieving pain and convulsions in epileptic disorders. The medicine is intended for oral administration and is produced in two pharmaceutical forms:

• Gapabentin 300 tablets: containing 300 mg of gabapentin per 1 piece;
• capsules of the same name and dosage.

Among the auxiliary and formative compounds of the drug: starch, talc, magnesium stearin, calcium hydrogen phosphate.

How does Gabapentin work?

An analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid, Gabapentin, unlike it, does not bind to glutamate, benzodiazepine, or opiate receptors. It acts selectively, directly reducing the activity of the central nervous system centers responsible for the development of seizures during epileptic seizures and other pathological conditions. The drug is not similar to GABA mimetics. In the body, it prevents the penetration of calcium ions through cell membranes, thereby blocking the development of severe pain. At the same time, the drug slows down the death of neurons, preventing further development of the pathological process, and normalizes night sleep.

After administration, the contents of tablets and capsules dissolve under the action of gastric juice and are absorbed into the blood. Food does not affect the rate of absorption of drugs. The effect of the medication develops within 2–3 hours. At the same time, the components of Gabapentin do not bind to blood proteins and practically do not form toxic metabolites. The drug is transformed over 7–8 hours, then gradually eliminated from the body by the kidneys. In case of disturbances in the urinary system, the elimination period can increase to 24 hours. For this reason, adjustments to the treatment regimen may be necessary for people with kidney failure. Residues of the medication do not accumulate inside and are not deposited in tissues.

For what pathologies is Gapabentin indicated?

The drug is used to eliminate convulsive painful manifestations in the corresponding acute disorders of the central nervous system. Including:

• to reduce focal body convulsions in patients with epilepsy at least 12 years of age: as an independent remedy and in complex treatment of the disease;
• for the treatment of resistant epilepsy that has developed in children over 3 years of age: as an additional medication;
• for severe migraine attacks;
• to relieve pain caused by neuropathic processes: complications of diabetes mellitus, spinal canal stenosis, alcoholic neuralgia and others.

In some cases, Gapabentin is prescribed to menopausal women to reduce painful symptoms of hormonal disorders: headaches, hot flashes, nervous tension. In patients with estrogen intolerance, Gapabentin may be an alternative to replacement therapy.

The cheapest substitutes for Gabapentin

The drug belongs to the average price category and sometimes requires replacement for financial reasons. Below is an overview of Gabapentin analogues, which are cheaper but no less effective.

Pregabalin-S3

Pregabalin-C3 is an antiepileptic medicine containing pregabalin. Available in the form of capsules for oral administration. The drug is prescribed for neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Pregabalin-C3 is also indicated for use in patients with generalized anxiety disorder or fibromyalgia.

The medication is contraindicated in patients with rare genetic pathologies and hypersensitivity to pregabalin. With extreme caution, the medicine is prescribed to patients with renal or liver failure, or cardiac pathologies.

Mechanism of action of Pregabalin

Pregabalin-C3 can be used during pregnancy, but only for vital indications. But it is strictly contraindicated for children under 17 years of age due to the lack of data on its safety for this category of patients.

Tablets are taken regardless of meals three times a day. The dosage can range from 150 to 600 mg per day. Discontinuation of the drug should be carried out gradually to avoid the development of a recurrent attack of the diagnosed disease. Pregabalin-C3 is a direct analogue of Gabapentin. However, the price of drugs varies - this medicine is almost half the price of the main drug.

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic drug containing the active ingredient of the same name. Available in the form of chewable and dispersible tablets and tablets for oral administration. It has an antiepileptic effect, ensured by a decrease in pathological neural activity.

Lamotrigine

The medicine is intended for the treatment of bipolar disorders, epilepsy, accompanied by partial and generalized seizures. For adults, Lamotrigine can be used as a stand-alone drug. For children over 12 years of age, it is prescribed as part of complex treatment or for monotherapy.

The only contraindication to taking the tablets is hypersensitivity to their components. Lamotrigine can be used in the treatment of pregnant and lactating women, but only if there are vital indications. Therapy is monitored and, if necessary, adjusted by a neurologist.

Adults and children undergoing monotherapy with Lamotrigine are prescribed 25 mg of the drug per day for 2 weeks. After this, the dosage is doubled. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, the amount of medication taken is increased 2-4 times every 7-14 days. The duration of therapy is determined individually.

Lamotrigine differs from Gabapentin in its composition, as well as in its application. In addition, it is somewhat cheaper, but no less effective.

Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine tablets have a pronounced anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) effect. At the same time, the drug has a moderate antidepressant and normothymic effect.

Note. This medication is effective for relieving only severe epileptic seizures. If the attack is mild, its use is not advisable.

The tablets are taken orally and only with meals. The initial dosage is 0.1 g per day 2 to 3 times a day. Gradually the dose is increased to 0.8 or 1.2 g per day, which is equal to 4-6 tablets, respectively. Carbamazepine can be combined with other anticonvulsants.

The drug should not be taken by patients with hypersensitivity, cardiac conduction disorders or renal failure. The tablets should be used with extreme caution by pregnant and lactating women.

Description of the drug

The main difference between Carbamazepine and Gabapentin is the composition. Also, the first remedy can be prescribed to children from 5 years of age, while the main medication is used for children from 12 years of age.

When is Gapabentin contraindicated?

It is necessary to stop using the drug in case of individual hypersensitivity to its components. Other contraindications to the medication:

• acute dysfunction of the pancreas;
• malabsorption syndrome;
• galactose intolerance;
• children's age: under 3 years, for patients with postherpetic neuralgia: under 12 years.

Treatment with the drug is also contraindicated during pregnancy due to the possible harm to the health of the fetus.

Generic Gabapentin by therapeutic effect

The most effective substitutes for Gabapentin in terms of providing a therapeutic effect are Lamictal, Algerica, Lyrica and Topamax capsules.

Lamictal

Lamictal is an antiepileptic drug containing the active ingredient lamotrigine in a dose of 25, 50 or 100 mg. The medicine is used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Side effects and contraindications to the use of Lamictal

Lamictal can be prescribed to children from 2 years of age. The dosage for children under 12 years of age is calculated as follows: 0.3 mg per kg body weight per day. For adult patients, the initial dose of the drug is 25 mg once for 14 days. Then the dose is doubled - and so on until the expected therapeutic effect is achieved. Discontinuation of Lamictal should also be gradual.

Algerica

The drug contains pregabalin 75 or 150 mg per capsule. Indications for prescribing medication include:

• epilepsy;
• neuropathic pain;
• generalized anxiety disorder;
• fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia

Contraindications to taking Algeric capsules are individual intolerance to the components of the capsules and children under 18 years of age. Nursing patients must stop lactation while taking the drug.

Take the drug 150 mg 2-3 times a day, regardless of food. Patients with liver or kidney dysfunction, as well as diabetes mellitus, may need a dose adjustment of the drug.

Lyrics

Lyrica contains the active ingredient pregabalin (50, 75, 2150, 300 mg per capsule). Indications and contraindications for prescribing the drug are completely identical to Algeric tablets.

The initial dosage ranges from 150 to 600 mg. For patients with kidney disease, dose titration is carried out taking into account body weight and even gender. It should be borne in mind that the safety of Lyrica for pediatric patients has not been established, therefore the use of the drug in patients under 18 years of age is not recommended.

Topamax

Topamax is a substitute for Gabapentin containing the active ingredient topiramate. The exact mechanism of action of the drug has not yet been established, but it is known that it effectively stops attacks of epilepsy and stops seizures. Prescribed for adult patients and children over 6 years of age.

The dose of Topamax is determined individually for each patient. It can be adjusted upward depending on the therapeutic response from the patient's body.

Mechanism of action of Topamax

Topamax is strictly prohibited for use by patients with individual intolerance to its components, as well as by children under 6 years of age. The drug is used regardless of food. The medicine is intended for long-term use. The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the neurologist for each patient separately.

Side effects of the drug

During treatment with Gapabentin, undesirable reactions from the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive and excretory systems are possible:

• loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea, impaired intestinal motility;
• dizziness;
• increased drowsiness;
• physical weakness;
• nagging pain in muscles and back;
• depressed mood;
• development of edema;
• surges in blood pressure.

If you have an allergic reaction to the drug, itching, urticaria, inflammation of the oral mucosa, cough, and runny nose are likely to occur. Overdose of the drug increases the risk of acute intoxication. Its signs: confusion of speech and consciousness, impaired coordination of movements, vomiting, acute pancreatitis, tinnitus, decreased vision.

How to use Gapabentin: instructions

Tablets and capsules of the drug are swallowed whole with water. The periods of taking medication and food are not related. The daily dosage and treatment regimen depend on the condition of the patients:

• on the first day: from 1 to 3 pills;
• subsequently the dose is gradually increased if necessary;
• maximum dose per day: 3600 mg (12 tablets), divided into equal portions.

If side effects are detected, you should seek additional advice. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug, according to reviews, leads to significant changes in mood, insomnia, and anxiety. During the therapy period, it is necessary to refrain from strenuous work and driving.

Prices for Gabapentin and its analogues

The cost of Gabapentin capsules ranges from 292 to 449 rubles. It all depends on the specific pharmacy and the city in which the patient lives. The most effective and popular generics of Gabapentin are the drugs named in the table. Also here are the approximate prices for drugs from this list.

It is important! The Gabapentin substitute is selected exclusively by the attending physician. Uncontrolled use or taking the wrong antiepileptic medication can have extremely serious health consequences.