This means you may need to take it with other drugs. Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. For postherpetic neuralgia, it seems to prevent the increase in sensitivity to pain that occurs.
For seizures, it may alter the effect of calcium low levels of calcium may cause seizures. Gabapentin oral capsule causes dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery while taking this drug until you know how it affects you.
Gabapentin oral capsule can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking gabapentin. This list does not include all possible side effects. For more information on the possible side effects of gabapentin, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of gabapentin are listed below, along with their rates:. The side effect rates are based on patients over 12 years old, as reported in clinical trials for the brand equivalent, Neurontin. Certain rates vary by age.
There were no clinically significant differences in rates between men and women. For more information, see the FDA package insert. If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:.
Gabapentin oral capsule can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Below is a list of medications that can interact with gabapentin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. When used with gabapentin, opioids can cause dangerous effects in the body.
Some examples of these drugs include morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Taking gabapentin with an opioid increases your risk for severe sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
When used with gabapentin, certain drugs used to treat stomach acid problems can reduce the amount of gabapentin in your body. This can make it less effective. Taking gabapentin 2 hours after taking these drugs can help prevent this problem. Examples of these drugs include:. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended.
However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs. Your kidney function may decrease with age. Your body may get rid of this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. Your doctor may change your dose based on how well your kidneys are working.
Typical starting dosage: mg per day mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 2,—3, mg per day. The usual maintenance dose is —1, mg per day, divided into three doses daily. Your doctor may increase this dose to 2,—3, mg per day. Kidney problems: If you are older than 12 years and have kidney problems or are on hemodialysis, your dose of gabapentin will need to be changed.
This will be based on how well your kidneys are working. Gabapentin oral capsule comes with several warnings. Call your doctor if you start having more seizures or a different kind of seizure while taking this drug.
Gabapentin can slow your thinking and motor skills and cause drowsiness and dizziness. You should not drive or use heavy machinery while taking this drug until you know how it affects you. Using this drug increases your risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed or notice any changes in your mood or behavior. Also talk to your doctor if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, including suicide. However, this is very rare. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction:. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you think your symptoms are life-threatening, call Still, misuse of gabapentin has been reported.
There have been rare cases of withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms include:. Of the people who have misused the drug, most had a history of substance misuse or used gabapentin to help with withdrawal symptoms from other substances. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of drug addiction or misuse.
This information can help your doctor decide whether any risk of misuse outweighs the potential benefit of using gabapentin. Gabapentin side effects may make you want to stop taking the drug. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause serious problems, such as withdrawal symptoms or the return of seizures. Your doctor will help you stop taking the drug safely.
Consult your doctor before you stop taking gabapentin. Never stop taking this medication all at once. Your doctor can help develop a plan to help you…. Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that causes seizures.
Absence seizures, also called petit mal seizures, are brief and may not have noticeable…. Contact a treatment provider today to discuss treatment options. Natalie is currently studying political science, philosophy, and sociology at Stetson University and is also a member of the university's Honors Program. Looking to pursue a career in writing and research, she aspires to go on to earn her Ph. When provided with the opportunity to write for Recovery Worldwide, Natalie has found a passion in helping educate the public about substance abuse and help those battling addiction.
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