Gabapentin (By mouth)
gab-a-PEN-tin
Treats seizures and pain caused by shingles.
Drug classes
Anticonvulsant, Neuropathic Pain Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Gabapentin is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Gabapentin is also used in adults to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that occurs after shingles.
Gabapentin works in the brain to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, gabapentin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you have epilepsy, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses.
Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.
Gralise® tablet: Swallow the tablet whole . Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Neurontin® tablet: If you break a tablet into 2 pieces, use the second half as your next dose. If you don’t use it within 28 days, throw it away.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the Neurontin® oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how gabapentin works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:
Hydrocodone MorphineIf you take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours before you take gabapentin.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to gabapentin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems or are receiving dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.
This medicine may increase depression or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed or think about hurting yourself.
This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called multiorgan hypersensitivity, which can damage organs and be life-threatening.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. If you take this medicine to prevent seizures, your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop this medicine suddenly.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Behavior problems, aggression, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness (especially in children)
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine,
Chest pain, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, rash, swollen or tender glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Problems with coordination, shakiness, unsteadiness
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself, feeling depressed
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Active-Pac With Gabapentin, FusePaq Fanatrex, Gabarone, Gralise, Neurontin, Therapentin-60, Therapentin-90
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
