Gabapentin (By mouth)

Introduction

Gabapentin (gab-a-PEN-tin)

Treats certain types of seizures, called partial seizures, in people who have epilepsy. Also treats Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia).

Brand Name(s)

Neurontin, Therapentin-90, Therapentin-60, FusePaq Fanatrex, Gralise, Gabarone

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• For patients with epilepsy who take gabapentin three times per day, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between any 2 doses. The medicine works best if a constant amount is in the blood.
• You may break the scored Neurontin® tablets into two pieces, but make sure you or your child use the second half of the tablet as the next dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Swallow the Gralise® tablets or the Horizant® extended-release tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. The Gralise® tablets should be taken with the evening meal. The Horizant® extended-release tablets should be taken with food at about 5 PM.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Gabapentin may be used together with other seizure medicines. Keep using all of your medicines unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way. Take the Horizant® extended-release tablets only for Restless Legs Syndrome. The safety and effectiveness of the extended-release tablet for epilepsy have not been established.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you missed taking the dose of Horizant® extended-release tablets at the recommended time, take the next dose at about 5 PM the following day.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor may want you to join the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. The registry is used by pregnant patients who are taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems, or a history of cancer or tumors, depression, or mental illness. Tell your doctor if you are receiving kidney dialysis.
• This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors, such as feeling sad or hopeless, getting upset easily, or feeling nervous, restless, or hostile. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child develop a fever; rash; swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin; unusual bleeding or bruising; or yellow eyes or skin. These may be symptoms of a serious and life-threatening condition called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or sleepy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.Blood tests may also be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using hydrocodone (Vicodin®), morphine, or naproxen (Naprosyn®).
• If you take an antacid (such as Di-Gel®, Gaviscon®, Gelusil®, Maalox®, or Mylanta®), wait at least 2 hours before taking gabapentin.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Behavior problems, hostility, restlessness, trouble concentrating, or moodiness (especially in children).
• Blood in the urine, lower back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs.
• Clumsiness, problems with coordination, or slurred speech.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Feeling sad, depressed, or having an unusual mood or behavior.
• Fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, and body aches (especially in children).
• Rapid weight gain.
• Shakiness or tremors.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Uncontrolled eye movements.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred or double vision.
• Constipation, heartburn, or upset stomach.
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting (especially in children).
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.
• Headache.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness (especially in children).
• Tiredness or weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088