GABAPENTIN SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL

GABAPENTIN SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (GAB-a-PEN-tin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gralise

GENERIC NAME(S): gabapentin

Uses

USES: This medication is used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs known as antiseizure drugs (also called anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs).


How to use GABAPENTIN SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide 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 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. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split sustained-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. During the first 2 weeks of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to the medication. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not take this medication more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this 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, loss of coordination, and dizziness 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 you have any serious side effects, including: 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. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness 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. 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: vision changes, severe drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness.

Images

GRALISE ER 300 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
SLV, 300
GRALISE ER 300 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
SLV, 300
GRALISE ER 600 MG TABLET

color
beige
shape
oblong
imprint
SLV, 600
GRALISE 30-DAY STARTER PACK

color
multi-color (2)
shape
oblong
imprint
SLV, 300 or 600

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Faq for GABAPENTIN SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL

- Gabapentin sustained-release is primarily used to treat nerve pain caused by conditions such as shingles (herpes zoster) or diabetic neuropathy.

- Gabapentin works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. It also modulates the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in nerve pain.

- It is usually taken once daily, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets, as it may affect the extended-release mechanism.

- Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, coordination difficulties, and swelling in the hands or feet. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

- It is generally not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Gabapentin because it can increase the risk of certain side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

- Gabapentin sustained-release is not considered habit-forming. However, it should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, and sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or sweating. Consult your doctor before stopping the medication.

- It is important to consult your doctor before using Gabapentin sustained-release in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may not be safe for the baby. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a recommendation.

- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.



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.