Gabapentin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any https://sober-house.org/cbt-for-alcoholism-and-drug-addiction-does-it-work/ of the following before taking gabapentin. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

Risks if you miss doses or don’t take it on schedule

However, medical professionals eventually discovered its use as an anticonvulsant medication. Because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, anyone taking this drug should exercise caution while driving or using machinery. People can report adverse drug reactions to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088 https://sober-house.net/can-you-drink-alcohol-while-taking-amitriptyline/ or through MedWatch. According to the FDA, there have been reports of oral overdoses from taking up to 49 grams of the drug. Data from U.S. poison centers show that between 2012 and 2017, the number of suspected intentional suicide attempts from a gabapentin overdose grew by 80.5%.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide. Different brands of gabapentin are not is marijuana addictive interchangeable and they are FDA approved for different conditions. Use only the brand and form of gabapentin your doctor has prescribed.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

1. Like all medications, these drugs should be administered only by a medical professional, as tolerances develop and abusers need to increase their doses more and more.
2. You and your healthcare provider will determine if you should take gabapentin during your pregnancy or change to a different medication.
3. Although it has a structure similar to GABA, it does not bind to GABA receptors or influence the synthesis or uptake of GABA.
4. If your doctor prescribes gabapentin for you while you’re pregnant, ask about the NAAED Pregnancy Registry.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not cut, chew, or crush them. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. Your pharmacist can tell you all the ingredients in the specific gabapentin products they stock. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take gabapentin. There is some evidence that gabapentin also acts on adenosine receptors15,12 and voltage-gated potassium channels,13 though the clinical relevance of its action at these sites is unclear.

Missed Dose

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have seizures. Watch for and report any symptoms of depression while using gabapentin. If you break a Gabapentin tablet and take only half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.

Can I take Gabapentin (Neurontin) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually over at least a week. These medications should be taken at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night; no more than 12 hours should pass between doses. The extended-release tablet (Horizant) is taken with food once daily at about 5 PM.

If your kidneys aren’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug. If your doctor decides to reduce your dose or have you stop taking gabapentin, they will do this slowly. Your dose will be reduced or your treatment stopped over the course of at least one week.

If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. While less common, the most serious side effects of gabapentin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice.Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Gabapentin has a cyclohexyl group to the structure of the neurotransmitter GABA as a chemical structure. Although it has a structure similar to GABA, it does not bind to GABA receptors or influence the synthesis or uptake of GABA. Gabapentin may be used along with other medicines to treat seizures or pain. Follow all storage instructions provided with gabapentin. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine. With nerve pain, it’s thought to block pain by affecting the pain messages travelling through the brain and down the spine.