GENERIC NAME— Gabapentin
DRUG CLASS— Anticonvulsants
BRAND NAME(s)— Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Gabarone
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a medication used to treat partial seizures, neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome and hot flashes. Gabapentin belongs to class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It is taken by mouth.
Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid which has a molecular structure similar to that of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). [Trusted Source 1]
The medicine was first approved for medical use in 1993. It has been available as a generic medication in the United States since 2004. [Trusted Source 1]
Gabapentin Side Effects
Common gabapentin side effects may include [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Headache
- Fever, nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness
- Problems with balance or eye movements
Call your doctor at once if you have [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Increased seizures
- Blue-colored skin, lips, fingers, and toes
- Unusual or involuntary eye movements
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness or weakness
- Problems with balance or muscle movement
Interactions
Some drugs may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor’s approval.
Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Orlistat
- Opioid pain or cough relievers such as hydrocodone, codeine
- Some prescription medications
- Alcohol
- Marijuana (cannabis)
- Some vitamins and herbal products
- Medications for sleep or anxiety such as lorazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem
- Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.
Before using gabapentin, tell your doctor about your medical history; especially of [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Mental or mood problems such as depression, suicidal thoughts
- Abuse of drugs or alcohol
- Breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
It is not clear whether the medication harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. [Trusted Source 1]
It is not recommended to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for more details.
What Happens If Missed A Dose?
Take the medication as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for next dose. Do not take extra drug at the same time to make up the missed dose.
What Happens If I Take An Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Meclizine: Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions
- Dexamethasone : Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions
- Rilpivirine : Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions and Precautions
- Dolutegravir : Dosage, Uses, Interaction and Side Effects
- Omeprazole : Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions
- Juluca (Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine) : Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, Interaction and Precautions