Gabapentin
Basic Instructions
· Start at 100mg/day
· It can be taken with/without food
· Increase by 100mg/day every one to two weeks in divided doses (2-3 times per day) until 100% better to a maximum of 3600mg/day
· Common side effects tend to go away within 1-2 weeks after starting or after each dose increase, as your body adjusts to the medicine
Mayoclinic.org
Side effects and cautions
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Side effects of Gabapentin may include, among others:
· Blurred vision
· Swelling in the hands or feet
· Double vision
· Drowsiness/tiredness
· Headache
· Dizziness or Lightheadedness
· Hoarseness
· Lack of strength
Read the package insert for additional side effects, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Safety concerns
Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well coordinated, or able to think or see well. If these side effects are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
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.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, other medicines for seizures (eg, barbiturates),
muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.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.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have swelling of the face, eyes, lips, gums, or tongue, or problems with swallowing or breathing. Tell your doctor if you have hives or a skin rash, redness, or blisters while you are using this medicine. You may be having a severe allergic reaction or a condition called angioedema.
This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notices any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Stopping the Medication
Do not stop treatment abruptly. Also, avoid missing several doses because it can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Work with your doctor to gradually and safely decrease your dose.