Biggaba N Tablet is a combination medicine used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. This medicine decreases the pain by stopping the movement of pain signals to the brain.
Biggaba N Tablet is taken by mouth, with or without food and preferably at night. It is advised to take it at a fixed time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the blood. In case you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important not to stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine constipation, difficulty in urination, weight gain, tiredness, and dryness in mouth. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may cause weight gain and to control it, you should exercise regularly and take a balanced diet. Remember to inform the doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood as this medicine may lead to suicidal thoughts.
Before taking this medicine let your doctor know if you suffer from kidney or liver disease. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
USES OF BIGGABA N TABLET
Neuropathic pain
SIDE EFFECTS OF BIGGABA N TABLET
Common
Constipation
Difficulty in urination
Weight gain
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Tiredness
Blurred vision
Dryness in mouth
Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
Increased heart rate
Uncoordinated body movements
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Constipation
Try to eat foods which are high in fiber such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals to increase the bulk and consistency of bowel movements. Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic drinks and stay hydrated to promote healthy digestion. Increasing physical activities such as walking, yoga and regular exercise can also be helpful. If your condition does not improve, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you laxative medicine.
Coping with Difficulty in urination
Relax when you try to pee. Don't try to force the flow of urine. If it doesn't happen, try again later. Limit drinks that increase urination such as coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages. Continue to drink plenty of water each day. Gentle massage and hot compression on your lower abdomen can help relax your muscles and may improve your urine flow. Doing exercises that strengthen the bladder muscles such as pelvic exercise will be of help. Distract your attention by thinking about something else. Avoid alcohol and smoking because both can aggravate the condition. Talk to your doctor urgently if you can not pee at all.
Coping with Weight gain
Try to eat a healthy balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Avoid processed meat or poultry and seafood. Eat small, frequent meals and eat slowly. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruits and vegetables which have low calories. Avoid reaching for a sugary drink if you feel stressed. Fasting once a week can be an effective way to lose weight. Make sure you get enough sleep. With proper diet and lifestyle changes, you might not gain any weight or may gain only a small amount. Even then if it bothers you, ask your doctor if there are any alternative medicines that do not have this side effect.
Coping with Sleepiness
If the medicine is making you drowsy during the day, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. You can also consider taking a nap. Physical exercises such as walking may be helpful. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment when you are feeling drowsy. This problem usually goes away as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if it does not, ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at bedtime or whether the dose can be reduced.
Coping with Dizziness
This is usually short-lived and should go away within a few days. If this happens, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Lying still in a dark, quiet room may help reduce the spinning feeling. Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows. Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Get plenty of rest and try to relax as being anxious can make it worse. Try taking this medicine at bedtime to reduce the symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and ginger tea may also help. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking as it will make you feel worse. Avoid driving or using tools or machinery until you feel better.
Coping with Tiredness
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your energy levels up. Do not drink too much alcohol. Do not drive or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Other things that can help include doing some gentle exercise every day, prioritizing and pacing your activities and having a short nap if you need to. If you are still having problems after a week, speak to your doctor, as they may want to change you to a different type of medicine.
Coping with Blurred vision
You can consider washing your eyes with water. Avoid driving or using tools or machines if your vision is impaired. Do not take your next dose if your vision is still blurry. If it gets worse or does not improve, ask your doctor to recommend eye drops or talk about changing your medications.
Coping with Dryness in mouth
Keep a drink available that you can sip through the day. Rinse your mouth with warm salted water and chew sugarless gum or hard candy. Try breathing through your nose more often than your mouth. Avoid caffeinated beverages, smoking and alcohol because they can make your condition worse. Use lip balm if your lips are also dry. Try to avoid foods that are acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary. If this side effect bothers you or does not go away, talk to your doctor about artificial saliva products or other suitable treatments.
Coping with Increased heart rate
Breathe in slowly through your nostrils and then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this until you feel calm. Try sitting cross-legged and drink plenty of water. Splash cold water or apply a cold towel or ice pack on your face for 20-30 seconds. It is important to make sure that you are not taking more than the prescribed dose. As a preventive measure, you should limit the amount of alcohol you drink and give up smoking. Also, cut down the amount of coffee, tea or cola you drink. In general, being physically active and eating a healthy well-balanced diet is good advice for any heart condition. If the condition does not improve, consult your doctor as they may need to change you to a different type of medicine.
HOW TO USE BIGGABA N TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Biggaba N Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW BIGGABA N TABLET WORKS
Biggaba N Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Gabapentin and Nortriptyline. Gabapentin is an alpha 2 delta ligand which decreases the pain by modulating calcium channel activity of the nerve cells. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant which increases the levels of chemical messengers (serotonin and noradrenaline) that stop the movement of pain signals in the brain. Together, they relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves).
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Biggaba N Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
warnings
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Biggaba N Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Biggaba N Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
warnings
Driving
UNSAFE
Biggaba N Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
As Biggaba N Tablet may affect your alertness which may affect your ability to drive.
warnings
Kidney
CAUTION
Biggaba N Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Biggaba N Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Liver
CAUTION
Biggaba N Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Biggaba N Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you develop any signs and symptoms of jaundice while taking this medicine. Use of Biggaba N Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
