Extended-release gabapentin Horizant tablets can treat RLS , which is a condition characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and a strong or irresistible urge to move the lower limbs.
A study also suggests that gabapentin combined with oxycontin, which is an opioid pain reliever, can help control pain and increase the quality of life for people with severe cancer pain. However, doctors do not typically prescribe gabapentin for this purpose. Gabapentin can cause mild side effects. According to the review, these effects were slightly more common in people taking gabapentin than a placebo. Children and older adults may be more susceptible to adverse reactions associated with gabapentin.
Individuals taking gabapentin should talk with a doctor about any problems they experience while doing so, especially if they are severe, ongoing, or getting worse. In , the Food and Drug Administration FDA issued a warning that people with respiratory risk factors who take the different brands of gabapentin may experience serious breathing difficulties.
People who have conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma should speak with a doctor before taking gabapentin.
Studies suggest that some people may experience thoughts of suicide or exhibit suicidal behaviors when taking gabapentin or other anticonvulsants. If a person or their loved one notices any changes in their mood or behavior, they should contact a doctor immediately. Despite research in this area, it is not always clear whether suicidal behaviors in people who take gabapentin are a result of the drug itself or related to an existing mental health condition.
It is clear, however, that the risk of overdose from the drug is higher if a person also has a mental health condition such as depression. In addition, when taking gabapentin, a person should monitor themselves carefully to make sure that they are not accidentally taking the wrong dosage.
People should also check on loved ones and minors taking this medication and seek help if there is any concern that they may have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Data from U. According to the FDA, there have been reports of oral overdoses from taking up to 49 grams of the drug. Gabapentin can interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins , and herbal supplements.
People should be sure to give a doctor a full list of their current medications and supplements before taking gabapentin. The results of another review suggest that the following are some of the main substances that interact with the drug:. If gabapentin causes sleepiness, a person should speak with a doctor before taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness, including:.
To ensure that gabapentin is safe to take, a person should tell a doctor if they also currently have or have ever had:. People who are pregnant and those who intend to become pregnant should tell a doctor before taking gabapentin.
Research from suggests that taking this drug during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of cardiac malformations in the fetus, a condition called small for gestational age, and preterm birth. However, it is also essential to control seizures during pregnancy, so pregnant people should only take the drug if it is absolutely necessary.
People should never start or stop taking gabapentin for seizure control before talking with a doctor. They will assess the potential risks and benefits. After childbirth, gabapentin passes into breast milk.
At low levels, it may not affect the infant. However, it is best to discuss this issue with a doctor before breastfeeding.
Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gabapentin for treating partial seizures in children 3 years of age and older.
However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 3 years of age. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of gabapentin for treating postherpetic neuralgia in children.
Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gabapentin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects eg, problems with balance or walking, swelling in the feet or legs and age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving gabapentin.
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.
In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur.
Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:.
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. 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. Do not use the half-tablet if the whole tablet has been cut or broken after 28 days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Measure the oral liquid using a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Store the tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Store the oral solution in the refrigerator.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking gabapentin.
If you use a dipstick to test your urine for protein, ask your doctor which product you should use while taking this medication. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Gabapentin pronounced as ga' ba pen tin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not cut, chew, or crush them. Other uses for this medicine.
What special precautions should I follow? Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gabapentin, any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the type of gabapentin you plan to take. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
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