Gabapentin Medication Information (dosing, side effects, patient counseling)
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Your medication Gabapentin
Gabapentin, also known by the brand names: Neurontin and Gralise.
Gabapentin comes in oral solution, oral suspension, tablet, and capsule dosage forms.
Gabapentin is most commonly used to treat seizures and painful nerve diseases. No matter what your doctor has you taking it for, gabapentin is usually taken by mouth with or without food most commonly 2 to 3 times a day. If upset stomach occurs take gabapentin with food. Do not take antacids within two hours of this medication. If you take the capsule, swallow the capsule whole and take with a full glass of water. If you are taking Gralise, take with the evening meal and swallow whole. To receive the greatest benefit, do not miss doses. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. If you have never taken gabapentin before, take your first dose at bedtime to avoid the feelings of tiredness and dizziness.
Some common side effects with gabapentin include dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, loose stools, nausea and vomiting.
Some less common side effects include headache, abnormal thinking, swelling of the arms or legs, and weight gain.
While taking gabapentin, remember it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
• You have signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, tightness of the chest, etc.)
• You have signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, upset stomach, light-colored stools, or yellow skin or eyes
• You have signs of kidney problems (unable to pass urine, changes in how much urine is passed, blood in urine, or large weight gain)
• You have memory problems or memory loss
• You experience changes in eyesight, are feeling confused, or experience shakiness, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, twitching, muscle pain or weakness
• To stop taking gabapentin because this medication should not be abruptly discontinued because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency; therapy should be withdrawn gradually unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal. Abrupt discontinuation with gabapentin has been associated with anxiety, diarrhea, headache, excessive sweating, sleeplessness, and nausea.
Gabapentin tablets and capsules need to be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Gabapentin liquid needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Use the measuring device received from the pharmacist or doctor for the oral solution.
