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.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet Medication Guide when you begin treatment with gabapentin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes , and to treat and prevent hot flashes sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause ''change of life'', the end of monthly menstrual periods.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If you forget to take gabapentin capsules, tablets, or oral solution, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose or if you forget to take gabapentin extended-release tablets, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Gabapentin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. 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. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.
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Answer From Cheolsu Shin, M. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is a prescription Painkiller belonging to its own drug class, Gabapentinoids. It is considered an anticonvulsant, and is most commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, and neuropathic pain.
It is often used as a less addictive alternative to Opioids ; however, Gabapentin addiction and abuse still occur in many patients. It can produce feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can help with nerve pain, anxiety, and even poor sleep.
Gabapentin is prescribed to treat nerve pain, alcohol and Cocaine withdrawals, restless leg syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and seizures.
Some brand names of Gabapentin are Neurontin and Gralise. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, fever, sleep problems, appetite changes, and chest pain. Galloway, NJ. View Center. Dana Point, CA.
Gabapentin abuse tends to occur in people who already have an addiction to Opioids or other drugs. The effects of Gabapentin intoxication have been described as a sense of calm, euphoria, and a high similar to Marijuana. Another study, working with a sample of participants meant to represent the national population, found almost a quarter of patients with co-prescriptions of Opioids and Gabapentin were getting more than 3 times their prescribed amount to supply their addiction.
People using the drug without a prescription is a growing problem in many areas. States where Gabapentin abuse is becoming more common are beginning to classify the drug as a more strictly controlled substance. In May of , GoodRx reported that it was the fifth-most prescribed drug in the nation.
Despite its low abuse potential, its ability to be used in conjunction with other drugs causes widespread harm and addiction. It is important to try to recognize these symptoms and to be wary of other red flags, such as the presence of an abundance of pill bottles.
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