{"id":1234,"date":"2023-08-28T19:45:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T19:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1234"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:06:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:06:43","slug":"gabapentin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/stroke-medications\/gabapentin\/","title":{"rendered":"About Gabapentin: A Patient&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant doctors prescribe for epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles, and restless leg syndrome.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gabapentin name brands are not interchangeable.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Doctors still don\u2019t fully understand how gabapentin works.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suffer from epilepsy, nerve pain, or bipolar disorder, your doctor may prescribe gabapentin. The off-label uses of this drug include hormonal hot flashes, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety. Interestingly, gabapentin name brands aren\u2019t equivalent. If your doctor prescribes a specific brand, you should take only that brand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is Gabapentin and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works on the chemical messengers in the brain and nerves, modulating their activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin was designed in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK493228\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early \u201870s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and first used to control partial seizures. In 1993, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA approved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gabapentin under the brand name Neurontin for epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that often follows shingles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since its initial approval, the FDA has expanded its approval of gabapentin to include treatment of post-shingles nerve pain and restless leg syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin Brands\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The gabapentin brand your doctor prescribes depends on the condition you have. Don\u2019t use a different brand of the same drug unless your doctor allows it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neurontin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Doctors prescribe this gabapentin brand to patients suffering from nerve pain after shingles and partial seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Generic gabapentin capsules<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This medication works for post-shingles nerve pain and seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gralise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Doctors use this brand of gabapentin exclusively for the treatment of post-shingles pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Horizant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This brand is gabapentin enacarbil. It is suitable for the treatment of shingles pain and restless leg syndrome.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generic Versions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Neurontin patent expired in the U.S. in 2004, making cheaper generic versions of the drug available to the masses. The medication is now available under several brand names, which are not interchangeable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With generic medication widely available, gabapentin-related research gained momentum. In 2012, doctors developed gabapentin enacarbil, an extended-release version of gabapentin specialized for the treatment of moderate to severe restless leg syndrome and post-herpetic nerve pain. Gabapentin enacarbil is now available as a generic and under the brand name Horizant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-Label Uses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soon, doctors realized they could use the drug for other purposes. Though they lacked a scientific basis for using the drug for other purposes, they relied on anecdotal and clinical observations to deem it useful for anxiety and depression, alcohol withdrawal, and migraines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The off-label use of gabapentin culminated in a scandal in the late \u201890s. Pfizer was accused of promoting the use of the drug for off-label purposes while making unsupported claims about how effective it would be for those purposes. The pharmaceutical giant paid a substantial settlement in 2004 to put the issue to rest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Gabapentin Work?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1237\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2.jpeg-1-min.jpg\" alt=\"Gabapentin box\" width=\"780\" height=\"540\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin works on the nervous system by interacting with a particular neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate is involved in sending signals that might cause over-excitement or over-activity in the nerves. Excitable neurons are responsible for transmitting pain signals and causing seizures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By affecting the action of glutamate, gabapentin helps to calm down overactive nerves. Think of it like turning down the volume on a stereo that&#8217;s playing too loudly. This can help control seizures or reduce nerve pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact way gabapentin works is not entirely understood. Scientists have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1046\/j.0003-2409.2001.02399.x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some theories<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but they don&#8217;t yet know all the details.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid solution forms. Gabapentin tablets are available in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-100-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-300-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-400-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">400 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-600-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">600 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-800-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">800 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> strengths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The capsule formulations are available in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-100-mg-capsule\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-300-mg-capsule\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-400-mg-capsule\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">400 milligram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> versions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-250-mg-5-ml-soln\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250 milligrams\/5 milliliter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-300-mg-6-ml-soln\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 milligrams\/6 milliliter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gabapentin solutions are also available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Gabapentin Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin dosage depends on the condition the doctor wants to treat and whether the patient is an adult or a child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adult Dosage\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are an adult patient whose doctor might prescribe gabapentin for epilepsy, a typical starting dose might be 300 milligrams on the first day. On the second day, the general guideline could be to take two 300 milligram doses. On the third day, you may take three 300 milligram doses. From there, you might go into maintenance mode to keep gabapentin levels in your blood relatively constant. To achieve that goal, you could typically take three 300-600 milligram doses of gabapentin per day, as directed by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suffer from post-shingles nerve pain, your first three days on gabapentin might look similar to the above. From there, you could generally take progressively higher doses to work towards optimal pain relief. A common guideline might be not to exceed three 600 milligram doses per day. If at a typical daily dose of 1,800 milligrams, gabapentin does not relieve your pain, consult your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take the Gralise brand of gabapentin for nerve pain, your doctor may gradually raise your daily dose from 300 milligrams to a typical maximum of 1,800 milligrams taken with the evening meal. Gralise is normally taken once per day with the evening meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor prescribes Horizant, a usual starting dose might be a 600 milligram dose once per day, in the morning, for three days. Starting with the fourth day, you might take two 600 milligram doses. This could be your maintenance dose as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For restless leg syndrome, adults typically take one daily dose of 600 milligrams of gabapentin with food.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are general recommendations and might not apply to every individual. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as they will tailor the treatment to your particular situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential Dosing Adjustments<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dosage of gabapentin may need to be adjusted if you have kidney problems. Also, gabapentin can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3.jpeg-min-2.jpg\" alt=\"restless leg syndrome\" width=\"780\" height=\"484\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children\u2019s Dosage\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors generally don\u2019t prescribe gabapentin for children younger than three. Generally, for children under 12, dosing is based on the specific condition being treated and is closely monitored by healthcare providers. The dosage of gabapentin may need to be adjusted depending on the child&#8217;s weight and response to the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to follow the instructions provided by the child&#8217;s doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only take gabapentin according to your doctor\u2019s prescription. To avoid complications, take only the brand your doctor prescribes. Don\u2019t make any changes to your gabapentin dose. Stick to the label instructions and ensure that you understand exactly how much gabapentin you must take and when.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may change your dose now and then, depending on various factors. In children, doctors determine the correct dosage based on body weight. As a child gains or loses weight, the dose will change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under no circumstances should you take more gabapentin than prescribed, nor should you take it longer than needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some further precautions to take when on gabapentin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not expose your gabapentin tablets or capsules to moisture or heat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep liquid gabapentin in a refrigerator but do not freeze.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only measure liquid medication with the provided measuring device.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never crush, dissolve, or chew a tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take Neurontin with or without food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always take Gralise and Horizant with food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Splitting Gralise or Horizant tablets is not recommended unless directed by your doctor. These are extended-release formulations that won\u2019t work the same if they\u2019re split in half.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take half a tablet of Neurontin as part of your prescribed regimen, always take the second half as your next dose. Never leave a broken pill unused for more than a couple of days. Whole pills in their original packaging will <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/ajhp\/article-abstract\/66\/15\/1376\/5130295\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remain stable for months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1239\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4.jpeg-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"taking two gabapentin tablets with water\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" \/><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never crush or chew gabapentin<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin Precautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin has profound effects on your body. Here are further precautions to keep in mind if you\u2019re taking any form of this medication:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin may affect your kidney function, so your doctor may order frequent kidney function tests and tweak your gabapentin dosage depending on the results.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctors that you\u2019re taking gabapentin when they order any test. The drug can alter your results and mislead medical professionals who aren\u2019t aware that you\u2019re on this medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue taking your medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never stop taking gabapentin suddenly, even if you think it\u2019s a good idea or someone convinces you not to take the drug. <\/span><b>Discontinuing this medication suddenly may cause seizures.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you must stop taking gabapentin, your doctor will tell you how to taper your dose until you can quit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like all medications, gabapentin can cause side effects ranging from severe to mild. The most important potential effects to be aware of are allergic reactions, psychological changes, and nervous system problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potentially Serious Gabapentin Side Effects\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic Reactions<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have an allergic reaction to the drug or a severe drug reaction affecting different body parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical help immediately if you exhibit any of the following symptoms:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of your face, throat, or tongue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficult breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jaundice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen glands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inexplicable bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood Swings and Personality Changes<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin can also cause mood and personality swings. These may range from anxiety and panic attacks to suicidal thoughts and aggression. Some patients may become more talkative than usual, restless, irritable, hostile, or impulsive. These side effects warrant medical attention as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious Effects When Combined With Alcohol or Painkillers<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin can have life-threatening side effects when combined with alcohol or opioid medications. It can lead to slow breathing, eventually stopping breathing altogether. People who suffer from this side effect may exhibit bluish lips or may be difficult to wake up. If you notice these side effects in someone taking gabapentin, seek urgent medical help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other Severe Side Effects<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other severe side effects of this medication can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher number of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible side effect lists are never complete. You may experience as yet unreported side effects. Children are more likely to experience some gabapentin side effects than adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavioral changes like hostility, aggression, restlessness, and trouble concentrating are more frequent in children. Such side effects in children also call for medical attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Gabapentin Side Effects<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the more common and less-severe gabapentin side effects are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble formulating words and sentences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling in the extremities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body aches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, this list is not complete, as it\u2019s impossible to account for all potential allergies and interactions in all individuals. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms after beginning any form of gabapentin, let your provider know right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should I Avoid When Taking Gabapentin?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5.jpeg-min.jpg\" alt=\"don't gabapentin and drive\" width=\"780\" height=\"452\" \/><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t take gabapentin and drive.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most medications, there are precautions you should take when taking gabapentin. Here are a few things to be aware of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol, marijuana, and opioid medications can make the dizziness and loss of balance side effects worse. Avoid driving or precarious situations and places that may lead to accidents and falls until you know how gabapentin affects you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15633619\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caffeine can counteract the effects of gabapentin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Reduce your coffee consumption while taking the drug.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antacids can interfere with the absorption of the drug.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults should be especially careful when taking this medication, as they can be more sensitive to the side effects. They may experience more pronounced dizziness and loss of coordination, which puts them at increased risk of falling. Older adults are also at an increased risk for breathing problems from gabapentin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children can be especially susceptible to mood and behavior changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><b>It is dangerous to overdose on gabapentin. I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">f you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Skip it if it\u2019s almost time for your next dose. You don\u2019t want a double dose in your system at any time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re on Horizant, skip the missed dose and take your next one at your regular time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdosing on this drug can be life-threatening. Take immediate action if you notice any of the following symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purple lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slurred speech<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness or difficulty waking up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double vision\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek immediate medical attention. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Who Should Not Take Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should avoid taking gabapentin if you suffer from breathing problems. Since the drug may slow breathing as a side effect, it can create a life-threatening situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other categories of patients who should not take gabapentin are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those suffering from mood disorders and\/or depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug addicts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcoholics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dialysis patients<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with kidney problems not requiring dialysis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctor if you belong to any of these patient categories before starting gabapentin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions With Gabapentin?<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Drug Interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs.com lists 27 major drug interactions with gabapentin that can lead to life-threatening effects. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Opioids and analgesics. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taken with drugs in these classes, gabapentin can slow breathing depriving the brain and other organs of oxygen. These medications include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alfentanil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buprenorphine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">butorphanol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">codeine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dezocine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fentanyl<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydrocodone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydromorphone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ketamine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">levomethadyl acetate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">levorphanol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meperidine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">morphine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methadone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">morphine liposomal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nalbuphine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oliceridine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxymorphone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxycodone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pentazocine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">propoxyphene<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remifentanil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sufentanil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tapentadol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tramadol\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sodium oxybate.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This medication is used to treat daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy. When combined with gabapentin, it can exacerbate the side effects of drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause low blood pressure, loss of coordination, and even coma or death.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please see the entire list of major gabapentin drug interactions at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/gabapentin-index.html?filter=3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate and Mild Drug Interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The complete interaction list for gabapentin includes <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/gabapentin-index.html?filter=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">229 moderate interactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/gabapentin-index.html?filter=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 minor ones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s a good idea to check this list before beginning this medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to these drugs, gabapentin may also interact with vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Make sure your providers know all of the medications and supplements you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin is a powerful medication that can have serious side effects, so it\u2019s important to be well informed about its uses, side effects, and potential interactions. Now that you\u2019ve taken the time to educate yourself, whether you&#8217;re taking it for epilepsy, nerve pain, or any of its off-label uses, the next step is to find out how to get it at the most affordable price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Get the Lowest Price for Gabapentin With BidRx\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1241\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/6.jpeg-min.jpg\" alt=\"pharmacist providing Gabapentin to elderly patient\" width=\"780\" height=\"572\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BidRx is a new type of online prescription drug company that allows you to create a bid and have pharmacies compete for your business by offering you the lowest price for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/gabapentin-100-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gabapentin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create an account to get started, then choose your medication and create your bid today. Pharmacists will send you offers. You simply choose your deal, and depending on the offer you choose, pick up your prescription locally or have it delivered to your door. BidRx is the easiest way to get the medications you need at the lowest possible prices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gabapentin is an epilepsy drug discovered in the 1970s. Find out how gabapentin works, how you should take it, and how to find the lowest price.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1284,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stroke-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1234"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1234\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1242,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1234\/revisions\/1242"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}