Gabapentin

About Gabapentin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiepileptics.

Gabapentin is used alongside other drugs to prevent the convulsions (fits) suffered by epileptics by reducing the activity of the central nervous system.

Gabapentin is also used in treating certain types of nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia (severe burning or stabbing pain often following the path of a nerve in the face).

Gabapentin is available in tablet and capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Neurontin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Gabapentin

Before taking Gabapentin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding.
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
• if you suffer from diabetes.
• if you have ever suffered from mental health problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to Take Gabapentin

• Take Gabapentin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as this medicine. Take them at least one hour before or one hour after a dose of Gabapentin.
• Do not stop taking Gabapentin without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. if you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Gabapentin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Gabapentin is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Gabapentin.
• Gabapentin can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• If you have diabetes: Gabapentin can affect the results of your urine tests and you may need to carry out blood tests instead.

Can Gabapentin cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, weakness, twitching of the eyes, shakiness, pain or discomfort when passing water, problems with eyesight, sore throat, dry mouth, speech problems, weight gain, feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, forgetfulness, nervousness, cough, pins and needles, joint pain, swelling, a sore or runny nose, rash, muscle pain or headache.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Gabapentin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/06/2005