Gabapentin

Gabapentin is used for treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain. Nerve pain can happen if there is an injury to the nerves or parts of the nervous system. You may experience a tingling sensation (“pins and needles”), stabbing pain, sharp pain or a burning sensation at the affected area.

Gabapentin may also be used in the treatment of seizures (fits).

• Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.
• For gabapentin capsules, swallow whole, do not crush or chew it.
• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have a history of:
  • Kidney condition
  • Myasthenia Gravis (an immune disease that causes muscle weakness)
  • Mental health conditions
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Common side effects of gabapentin include:

• Nausea
  • Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea
• Drowsiness
  • Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration
• Dizziness
  • Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
• Swelling of hands or legs
• Fatigue (Feeling of tiredness)
• Muscle weakness

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other serious side effects include:

• Blurring of your vision or loss of vision
• Worsening agitation, restlessness or violent behaviour

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin as it can cause excessive drowsiness.

Take antacids at least two hours apart from gabapentin, as they may reduce the amount of medication being taken up by your body.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.