Controls certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Also treats pain caused by infections such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
Brand Names:
Neurontin
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin
Uses:
Capsule, Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not allow more than 12 hours between doses.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
When used to treat seizures, gabapentin is usually taken with other anticonvulsant medicines. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using morphine or hydrocodone (Vicodin®).
If you take an antacid (such as Maalox®), wait at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
If you have a test done for protein in your urine, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Clumsiness, problems with coordination
Extreme tiredness, slurred speech
Uncontrolled eye movement
Behavior problems, hostility, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness (especially in children)
Blurred or double vision
Fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose (especially in children)
