Gabica is a combination medicine containing gabapentin and nortriptyline used to treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia. It works by altering brain chemicals that send pain signals and improving mood. Gabica comes in tablet form to be taken orally with water.
In Pakistan, Gabica is available from leading pharmacies and the average price per 10 tablet pack is Rs. 150-200. Read on to learn more about the uses, dosage, side effects, and cost of Gabica tablets.
Uses of Gabica
Neuropathic Pain
Gabica is most commonly prescribed for managing different types of chronic neuropathic pain. This includes painful diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, HIV-related neuropathy, phantom limb pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and nerve pain due to spinal cord injury or surgery.
Gabica prevents pain signals from reaching the brain by inhibiting overly excited nerves. It provides significant relief from burning, shooting, stabbing, tingling, and numbness in hands, feet, legs, and other areas.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and increased sensitivity to pressure that causes tender points all over the body. Gabica is an effective medication for reducing the heightened pain perception in fibromyalgia patients. It improves their ability to perform daily activities.
Migraine Headaches
When taken daily, Gabica tablets can help prevent frequent episodic migraine headaches. It reduces migraine frequency, severity, and need for additional painkillers.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Gabica alleviates restless legs syndrome (RLS) which causes uncomfortable crawling, pulling, tingling, or itching sensations in the legs. It minimizes the uncontrollable urge to move the legs and improves sleep quality.
Anxiety Disorders
The nortriptyline component of Gabica has antidepressant effects that help in treating anxiety and depression. Gabica taken at night improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic attacks, and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder.
Sleep Disorders
Gabica enhances sleep by increasing the body’s own neurotransmitters needed for sleep. It helps people with insomnia fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep. Gabica improves multiple sleep disorders including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and night-time leg cramps.
Dosage
Gabica tablets come in two strengths – Gabapentin 300mg/Nortriptyline 10mg and Gabapentin 300mg/Nortriptyline 25mg. The dosage is prescribed by doctors based on the patient’s age, symptoms, and response.
The typical starting dosage for adults is one 300/10mg tablet at night. This can be gradually increased by one tablet every week up to 2 tablets two times a day. The maximum dosage is 4 tablets per day.
Elderly patients may be prescribed a lower dosage like half or one tablet daily. Gabica dosage should be reduced in patients with kidney problems. Follow the doctor’s dosage instructions carefully when taking this medication.
Gabica should be taken with food and swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or break the tablets. Take doses at regular intervals usually morning and night. Avoid suddenly stopping the tablets even if you feel better.
Side Effects
Gabica is fairly well tolerated when used appropriately under medical supervision. However, some possible side effects may occur.
Common:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Constipation, nausea
- Blurred vision
- Peripheral edema
- Weight gain
Rare:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
- Liver problems
- Low blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Irregular heartbeat
- Urinary retention
Seek medical help if you experience signs of allergic reaction like rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty. Stop taking Gabica and contact your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects like mood changes, high fever, confusion, or irregular heartbeat.
Precautions
Inform your doctor about any medical conditions and medications you are taking before using Gabica. This drug may interact with other medicines. Avoid activities requiring alertness if Gabica makes you drowsy or dizzy. It may cause suicidal thoughts in some young adults, so families must monitor for signs of depression or suicidal behavior.
Gabica Price in Pakistan
Gabica is available in tablet form containing Gabapentin 300mg and Nortriptyline 10mg or 25mg. Some popular brands marketed in Pakistan include:
- Gabica-NT by Getz Pharma
- Nortagab by Highnoon Laboratories
- Gabanort by Sami Pharmaceuticals
The price of Gabica tablets varies from one pharmacy to another. On average, a pack of 10 Gabica tablets costs around Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 in Pakistan. The price may be higher or lower depending on brand and location. Many pharmacies also offer discounts on bulk purchases.
Conclusion
Gabica is an effective combination drug proven to provide relief from neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, RLS, anxiety, and sleep problems. It can greatly improve quality of life when taken properly under a doctor’s supervision. The benefits of Gabica outweigh the risks of relatively minor side effects in most patients. It is fairly affordable and widely accessible in Pakistan costing Rs.150-200 per pack. Patients should take Gabica tablets responsibly and report any worrying reactions to their healthcare provider.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Gabica tablet used for?
A1. Gabica is used to treat neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, restless legs syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Q2. What are the active ingredients in Gabica?
A2. Gabica contains a combination of gabapentin and nortriptyline.
Q3. What is the dosage of Gabica?
A3. The starting dosage is 1 tablet (300mg gabapentin/10mg nortriptyline) at night. This can be increased up to 4 tablets per day based on the doctor’s advice.
Q4. How long does it take for Gabica to work?
A4. Gabica begins working within 1-2 weeks, but its full effects can take up to a few months.
Q5. Can Gabica be taken on an empty stomach?
A5. It is recommended to take Gabica tablets with food to minimize side effects.
Q6. What are the side effects of Gabica?
A6. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, weight gain, and blurred vision.
Q7. Is Gabica addictive?
A7. No, Gabica does not have any addictive properties.
Q8. Can Gabica be taken with other medications?
A8. Gabica may interact with some other drugs, so inform your doctor about all medicines you take.
Q9. How much does Gabica cost in Pakistan?
A9. The average cost for 10 Gabica tablets is Rs. 150 to 200 in Pakistan.
Q10. How should Gabica tablets be stored?
A10. Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
