Neurontin

Brand Name:Apo-Gabapentin, CO Gabapentin, Gen-Gabapentin, Novo-Gabapentin, PMS-Gabapentin, ratio-Gabapentin

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Gabapentin is primarily used to treat and prevent seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It is often prescribed in combination with other drugs when a patient’s epilepsy is not adequately controlled by other drugs alone. It may also be used to decrease burning, tingling or shock-like pain or migraine headaches. It can be used to reduce extreme changes in moods for people with bipolar disorder or anxiety.

This medication may be used for other medical conditions. If you need this medicine for another medical problem, your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • an allergic reaction to other seizure medications
  • a certain type of seizure called absence seizures
  • diabetes (gabapentin can cause noticeable fluctuations in blood sugar levels)
  • feelings of being depressed, agitated or confused
  • history of mental or emotional illness
  • problems with the kidney
  • are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects of this medication include:
  • dizziness, lightheadedness
  • drowsiness and feeling tired
  • indigestion
  • muscle tremor
  • swelling of the ankles, arms or legs
  • blood sugar changes

These side effects usually occur at the start of therapy and with higher doses. They may go away with time but may also be less severe by lowering the dose and increasing the medication more slowly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist regarding the best way to take the medication.

Call your doctor right away if you experience these less common and possibly severe side effects which include:

  • weight gain
  • fever
  • blurry vision or eyes moving uncontrollably
  • irregular, fast or pounding heartbeat
  • hallucinations
  • mood changes
  • rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • slurred speech
  • seizures (rare)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium - lower blood levels of gabapentin may occur, so gabapentin may not work properly; if you need to take an antacid, gabapentin should be taken at least 2 hours after any antacid is taken.
  • Morphine - higher blood levels of gabapentin may occur and there is an increased chance of side effects of gabapentin, and dizziness from morphine.
  • Herbs, such as ginko biloba and evening primrose oil - decreases the effect of gabapentin in the body.
  • Drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
    • opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone)
    • antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, trazodone) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
    • other drugs for seizures (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
    • medicine for insomnia or anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam)

Other information:

This medication must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Let your doctor know if:

  • you are having surgery, including dental surgery - tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gabapentin
  • you are using this for seizures and your seizures get worse
  • you are using gabapentin for pain and you don’t see improvement after a few weeks
  • you are diabetic - your doctor may want to monitor your blood sugars closely

Children: Lower doses are necessary. Children may be sensitive to the effects of gabapentin. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Seniors: Lower dose may be necessary as seniors are more sensitive to the side effects caused by this medication, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Safety in human babies not established. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Women who are nursing: Drug passes to breast milk, effects unknown. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Do not do so until you know how this drug affects you personally. Gabapentin may cause side effects such as blurred vision, double vision, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble in thinking.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. If you are taking this medication for seizures, stopping this drug quickly may cause seizures to occur. If the drug needs to be stopped, your doctor will likely want to reduce your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time (less than 4 hours) for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose. If you miss more than one dose in a day, talk to your doctor. If you are unsure of what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: Should be avoided as it can increase the chance of side effects such as dizziness.

Dietary Precautions: None.