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  1. Gabapentin
    GabapentinAnticonvulsant medication
    OverviewSide effectsWarningsInteractionsDosageCouponsIndicationsPrecautions
  2. Copilot Answer

    Overview - Gabapentin

    Common brand names: Neurontin

    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.

    May Treat: Neuropathic pain · Partial epilepsy treatment adjunct · Postherpetic neuralgia

    Brand Names: Neurontin · Gralise · Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack · Neuraptine · Gabarone

    Drug Class: Anticonvulsant - GABA Analogs · Dermatological - Miscellaneous Single Agents · Postherpetic Neuralgia Agents

    Availability: Prescription Required

    Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

    Lactation: Does not adversely affect lactation

    Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

    Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

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    Side effects

    Common side effects

    • Drowsy
    • Nystagmus
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue
    • Ataxia
    • Sedation
    • Peripheral edema
    • Mood changes
    • Depression
    • Hostility
    • Hyperkinesis
    • Diplopia
    • Blurred vision
    • Xerostomia
    • Back pain
    • Memory impairment
    • Altered mental status
    • General weakness
    • Malaise
    • Tremor

    If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly

    • Drowsiness
    • Loss of coordination
    • Dizziness

    Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including

    • Swelling of the hands/ankles/feet

    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
    • Severe dizziness
    • Trouble breathing

    Other things to note

    • A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition 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.

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    Gabapentin - Precautions

    • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
    • Avoid aluminum/magnesium antacids within 2 hours.
    • May make you drowsy or dizzy. Drive with caution
    • Avoid alcohol/other drugs that make you sleepy
    • Immediately report to MD any thoughts of suicide.
    • For capsule products : Take at the same time every day. Call Dr before increasing dose or frequency. Stopping abruptly may increase seizure risk.
    • For solution, oral products : Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Keep in refrigerator.
    • For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Swallow whole tablet. Do not break, chew or crush. Take with food. MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it.

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    Why is gabapentin so dangerous?
    Gabapentin is often prescribed in combination with opioids, in order to enhance their pain-relieving potential, and this combo can be especially dangerous. Gabapentin is sedating, and it increases ...
    thedoctorstv.com

    Warnings

    • May cause drowsiness. Alcohol and marijuana may intensify this effect. Use care when operating a vehicle, vessel (e.g., boat), or machinery.
    • May cause dizziness
    • Call your doctor immediately if you have mental/mood changes like confusion, new/worsening feelings of sadness/fear, thoughts of suicide, or unusual behavior.
    • Do not take aluminum or magnesium antacids within 2 hours of taking this medication.
    • For capsule products : May cause blurred vision
    • For capsule products : It is very important that you take or use this exactly as directed. Do not skip doses or discontinue unless directed by your doctor.
    • For solution, oral products : Keep in refrigerator. Do not freeze.
    • For solution, oral products : Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medication.
    • For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
    • For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Take this medication with a meal. Read label carefully for how many times to take each day.
    • For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Take in the evening as directed

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    Interactions

    Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you've had:

    • Kidney disease
    • Mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)
    • Use/abuse of drugs/alcohol
    • Breathing problems

    Products that may interact with this drug include:

    • Orlistat

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    Source: First Databank. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.
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