gabapentin

	What is the most important information I should know about gabapentin?
	What is gabapentin?
	What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gabapentin?
	How should I take gabapentin?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid while taking gabapentin?
	What are the possible side effects of gabapentin?
	What other drugs will affect gabapentin?
	Where can I get more information?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.

Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking gabapentin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking gabapentin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.

Gabapentin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.

Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).

Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gabapentin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Gabapentin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.

If you break a tablet and take one half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Gabapentin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using gabapentin.

Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking gabapentin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking gabapentin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use gabapentin regularly for best seizure control. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store gabapentin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include blurred vision, drowsiness, weakness, slurred speech, or diarrhea.

Gabapentin can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take gabapentin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb gabapentin.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• increased seizures;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• confusion;
• rapid back and forth movement of your eyes;
• tremor; or
• easy bruising.

Some side effects are more likely in children taking gabapentin. Contact your doctor if the child taking this medication has any of the following side effects:

• changes in behavior;
• memory problems;
• trouble concentrating; or
• acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;
• lack of coordination;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• dry mouth;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or
• acne, mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The following drugs can interact with gabapentin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, and others);
• morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others); or
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with gabapentin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about gabapentin.