GABAPENTIN - ORAL

GABAPENTIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (gab-uh-PEN-tin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neurontin

GENERIC NAME(S): gabapentin

Uses

USES: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.


How to use GABAPENTIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking gabapentin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. 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. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole with plenty of water. It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. During the first few days of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to the medication. To minimize side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take gabapentin at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking this medication 3 times a day to control seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses because your seizures may increase. Do not take this medication more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may increase. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking the antacid. Different forms of gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to the other without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to gabapentin enacarbil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, breathing problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). 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. Dizziness and loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems concentrating, restlessness). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, morphine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Do not use this medication with other medications that contain gabapentin (including gabapentin enacarbil). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests for urine protein. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness.

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GABAPENTIN 400 MG CAPSULE

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Faq for GABAPENTIN - ORAL

Gabapentin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It is commonly used to treat seizures and various types of nerve pain.

Gabapentin works by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in seizures and pain sensations. It is believed to reduce the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures and alter the way pain signals are transmitted in the body.

Gabapentin is used to treat various conditions, including seizures (epilepsy), postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles), neuropathic pain (nerve pain due to damaged nerves), restless leg syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Common side effects of gabapentin may include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, weight gain, coordination problems, and dry mouth. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any potential side effects and how to manage them.

Gabapentin should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is usually taken orally, with or without food. The dosage and frequency may vary depending on the condition being treated. It is important to follow the prescribed schedule and not make any changes without consulting a doctor.

While gabapentin is not considered a highly addictive drug, sudden discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to the treatment plan.

Gabapentin may interact with certain medications, including antacids, opioids, antidepressants, and drugs that impair breathing. It is essential to disclose all medications you are taking to your healthcare provider to avoid any potential interactions.

The onset of action for gabapentin varies among individuals and the condition being treated. In some cases, it may take a few days to weeks for the full effects to be noticeable. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up with a healthcare professional regularly.

Gabapentin is not FDA-approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, some healthcare professionals may prescribe it as an off-label treatment for certain anxiety disorders. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a doctor before using gabapentin for anxiety.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.