Gabapentin

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Neurontin

Gabapentin - What is it for

Gabapentin is used for treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain. Nerve pain can happen if there is an injury to the nerves or parts of the nervous system. You may experience a tingling sensation (“pins and needles”), stabbing pain, sharp pain or a burning sensation at the affected area.

Gabapentin may also be used in the treatment of seizures (fits).

Gabapentin - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Gabapentin cause?

Common side effects of gabapentin include:

Nausea

Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea

Drowsiness

Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration

Dizziness

Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.

Swelling of hands or legs
Fatigue (Feeling of tiredness)
Muscle weakness

Rare but serious side effects include:

Blurring of your vision or loss of vision
Worsening agitation, restlessness or violent behaviour

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Gabapentin , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You have a history of:

Kidney condition
Myasthenia Gravis (an immune disease that causes muscle weakness)
Mental health conditions

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Gabapentin ?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin as it can cause excessive drowsiness.
Take antacids at least two hours apart from gabapentin, as they may reduce the amount of medication being taken up by your body.

Gabapentin - Dosage and How to Use

How should Gabapentin be used?

Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.
For gabapentin capsules, swallow whole, do not crush or chew it.
Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.