MEDICATION DETAILS: GABAPENTIN - ORAL

Gabapentin online

Generic Name: Gabapentin

Frequently Recognized Brand: Neurontin

FUNCTION: Gabapentin is generally utilized alongside other drugs to prevent and manage seizures. Moreover, it is employed to alleviate neuralgia or nerve pain following the occurrence of shingles (a painful rash caused by the herpes zoster virus) in grown-ups. Gabapentin is categorized as an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS: The following are some other potential uses of Gabapentin that may not be mentioned in the approved medical labeling, but may still be recommended by your healthcare provider. Only use Gabapentin to address a condition in this section if your healthcare provider has prescribed it.

Gabapentin can be utilized to treat other nerve pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and trigeminal neuralgia.

USAGE GUIDELINES: Thoroughly read the Medication Guide as well as the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist, if available, before you begin taking Gabapentin and each time you receive a refill. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.

You should ingest this medication orally with or without food as per your doctor's instructions. The dosage is determined based on your specific medical condition and response to the treatment. For children, dosage is also based on their weight.

If you are consuming the tablet form of this medication and your doctor has instructed you to split the tablet in half, use the remaining half-tablet during your next scheduled dose. Dispose of any half-tablets not used within a few days of being split. If you are consuming the capsules, swallow them whole with plenty of water.

Strictly adhere to your doctor's dosing guidelines. During the initial days of the treatment, your doctor may slowly increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. To minimize side effects, ingest the first dose at bedtime.

To derive maximum benefit from this medication, take it regularly. This drug is most effective when the concentration of the medicine in your body is maintained at a steady level. Therefore, consume Gabapentin at regular intervals at the same time(s) every day. If you are taking this medication 3 times a day to control seizures, ensure that there's no more than a 12-hour gap between doses as it could lead to an increase in seizures.

Never increase your dosage or take this medication more frequently than prescribed by your doctor. Your condition will not improve more rapidly, and the risk of serious side effects may rise.

Do not discontinue this medication without discussing it with your doctor first. Some conditions may exacerbate when the drug is abruptly stopped. You may need to slowly decrease your dose.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can disrupt the absorption of this medication. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it's recommended to take Gabapentin at least 2 hours after the antacid.

Gabapentin and Gabapentin enacarbil are absorbed differently by your body. Do not switch between the two without consulting your doctor.

Notify your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it deteriorates.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, fatigue, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects continue or worsen.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication after assessing that the benefits to you outweigh the risks of side effects. Most people using this medication do not experience severe side effects.

Immediately inform your doctor if you experience any unlikely but serious side effects like swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, signs of infection (e.g., fever, cough, persistent sore throat).

A small population of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may encounter depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood disorders. Immediately notify your doctor if you or your family/caregiver observe any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical help immediately if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not mentioned here, get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Seek advice from your doctor about side effects. Side effects can be reported to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before starting Gabapentin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to it, to Gabapentin enacarbil, or any other allergies. This product may have inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other issues. Discuss more details with your pharmacist.

Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially regarding kidney disease, mental/mood conditions (like depression, thoughts of suicide).

This drug can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or doing any activity requiring alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic drinks.

Prior to undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, particularly swelling of the hands/ankles/feet and loss of coordination.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems focusing, restlessness).

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

Gabapentin is transferred into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the Usage Guidelines section.

Drug interactions can change the way your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a record of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not initiate, halt, or alter the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as alcohol, antihistamines (like cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (like alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (like codeine, morphine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (like allergy or cough-and-cold products) as they might have ingredients that cause drowsiness. Discuss with your pharmacist about using these products safely.

Do not consume this medication with other medications that contain Gabapentin (like Gabapentin enacarbil).

This medication can interfere with certain lab tests for urine protein. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors are aware you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take gabapentin 3 times a day to control seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses because your seizures may increase. Consult your doctor right away if this occurs.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (US), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised May 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.