Gabapentin

What is gabapentin?

Gabapentin (also called Neurontin^®) is used to prevent seizures. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and nerve pain. Gabapentin is available in many forms all of which are taken by mouth:

• A 100-mg capsule
• A 300-mg capsule
• A 400-mg capsule
• A 600-mg white oval tablet
• An 800-mg white oval tablet
• A clear to yellow strawberry-flavored liquid (50 mg/ml)

Possible side effects of gabapentin

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or unsteady

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Blurred or double vision
• Decreased coordination
• Feeling unsteady
• Feeling tired, dizzy, or drowsy
• Dry mouth
• Skin rash
• Eye twitching and tremor
• Upset stomach

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for gabapentin

• If you are taking gabapentin to help your pain, it will take 3 to 5 days for it to start working. Do not stop taking any other prescribed pain medicines until your doctor tells you to do so.
• The doctor will increase your dose slowly when you first start taking gabapentin.
• If you cannot swallow capsules, you can open the capsules and mix the contents with food, juice, or flavored syrups just before taking it.
• Store gabapentin tablets and capsules at room temperature.
• Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator.
• Do not take this medicine within 2 hours of taking an antacid (such as Maalox^® or Mylanta^®).
• Do not stop taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to do so. If you stop taking it all of a sudden, you might have some of these symptoms: rapid heart beat, high blood pressure, heavy sweating, seizures, and feeling nervous, confused, agitated, or irritable.
• Gabapentin may cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not operate heavy equipment or drive a motor vehicle until you see how this medicine will affect you.
• Alcohol (found in many over-the-counter cough/cold medicines) can increase the drowsy feeling caused by gabapentin.
• It is very important that you take gabapentin exactly as your doctor tells you. This will keep the blood levels constant during the day and night. If you miss a dose, follow these guidelines:
  • If the next dose is not due for at least 4 hours, take the missed dose right away.
  • If the next dose is due in less than 4 hours, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.
• This medicine can increase the risk of falls.