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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.

What should I do if I overdose?

Gabapentin - Handling

How should I handle Gabapentin safely?

Gabapentin - Storage

How should I store Gabapentin ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Gabapentin safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Gabapentin - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/30/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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