Author: Charles Frank

Gabapentin Oral Route Description and Brand Names

Inform your providers of all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter, as well as supplements, vitamins and herbal products. During the first 2 weeks of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to the medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day with the evening meal. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Dizziness and loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling. Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may increase. Gabapentin extended-release tablets cannot be substituted for another type of gabapentin product.

What’s known about gabapentin and overdose?

However, the individuals in these reports experienced symptoms after discontinuing higher-than-recommended doses of gabapentin and for uses for which the drug was not approved. Gabapentin is a prescription medication known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. GABA reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals.

The following are answers to some questions people frequently ask about gabapentin. Because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, anyone taking this drug should exercise caution while driving or using machinery. People can report adverse drug reactions to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or through MedWatch. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection.

This will be based on how well your kidneys are working. When used with gabapentin, certain drugs used to treat stomach acid problems can reduce the amount of gabapentin in your body. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records.

What should I avoid while taking gabapentin?

Do not switch from one form to the other without consulting your doctor. If you are taking the tablets and your doctor directs you to split the tablet in half, take the other half-tablet at your next scheduled dose. Discard half tablets if not used within several days of splitting them.

Always use the other half with the next dose or as soon as possible. Never break or chew extended-release gabapentin tablets. People should be sure to give their healthcare professional a full list of their current medications and supplements before taking gabapentin. It is clear, however, that the risk of overdose from the drug is higher if a person also has a mental health condition such as depression.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. According to a 2017 review, these effects were slightly more common in people taking gabapentin than a placebo.

1. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.
2. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with gabapentin.
3. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
4. It works by calming nerve activity to reduce seizure intensity or occurrence.
5. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking gabapentin. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Gabapentin: What to know

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If your doctor tells you to take one-half of a regular tablet as part of your dose, carefully split the tablet along the score mark. Properly dispose of any half-tablets that you have not used within several days of breaking them. Gabapentin is available as both a brand name product and a generic product (chemically the same, usually lower cost than the brand name product).

According to one 2017 review, oral gabapentin can reduce moderate or severe nerve pain that results from shingles or diabetes at a minimum daily dosage of 1,200 milligrams. Using this drug increases your risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Talk with your doctor if you feel depressed or notice any changes in your mood or behavior. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, slow/shallow breathing, dizziness, or loss of coordination.

Taking gabapentin 2 hours after taking these drugs can help prevent this problem. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use gabapentin only for the indication prescribed. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What should I do if I miss a dose of gabapentin?

However, many insurance companies require prior authorization for branded formulations of gabapentin. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember.

Is gabapentin a narcotic or controlled substance?

If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole with plenty of water. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Drinking alcohol with gabapentin could increase sleepiness or dizziness.

If your doctor prescribes gabapentin for you while you’re pregnant, ask about the NAAED Pregnancy Registry. This registry tracks the effects of anti-seizure drugs on pregnancy. Severe breathing problems can occur if you take gabapentin with opioids, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Taking gabapentin with an opioid increases your risk for sleepiness, breathing problems, and even death. Taking gabapentin with an opioid increases your risk for severe sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.