What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. The exact way that it works is unknown.
Gabapentin is used with other drugs in the treatment of some types of seizures and for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by the herpes virus or shingles).
Gabapentin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take gabapentin?
Take gabapentin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose of gabapentin with a full glass of water. Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.
To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the gabapentin oral solution with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping gabapentin may cause side effects.
If you are taking gabapentin for seizures, do not stop taking gabapentin even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking the medication to prevent seizures from recurring.
Store gabapentin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the gabapentin oral solution in the refrigerator.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms of a gabapentin overdose include double vision, drowsiness, slurred speech, diarrhea, poor coordination, and difficulty breathing.
What should I avoid while taking gabapentin?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Gabapentin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol during treatment with gabapentin. Alcohol may increase the risk of having side effects while taking gabapentin.
Gabapentin side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking gabapentin and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take gabapentin and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
-
blurred or double vision;
-
irregular back-and- forth movements of the eyes;
-
nausea and vomiting; or
-
tremor.
If children 3 to 12 years of age experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately
-
emotional lability (anxiety, behavior problems, crying, false sense of well-being, mental depression, reacting too quickly, too emotionally, or overreacting, rapidly changing moods);
-
hostility (aggressive behavior, suspiciousness, or distrust);
-
restlessness, hyperactivity or increase in body movements;
-
amnesia (loss of memory); or
-
thought disorders (concentration problems and change in school performance).
|
