What is this medicine?
GABAPENTIN (GA ba pen tin) is used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome and certain types of nerve pain.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-kidney disease
-seizures
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-other gabapentin products (Gralise, Neurontin)
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
-narcotic medicines for pain
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.
Alcohol may interfere with the effects of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
-drowsiness
-dry mouth
-headache
-irritability
-nausea
-tremors
-weight gain
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep this medicine dry and away from moisture.
