Gabapentin - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Gabapentin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain types of epilepsy (fits or seizures).

This medicine may also be used to treat neuropathic pain (long-lasting pain due to nerve damage).

Gabapentin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Gabapentin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, extended-release tablet, capsule, or oral solution.

If you are taking the conventional tablet, you may swallow it whole with a glass of water. If necessary, you may divide the conventional tablet into two halves along the break line. Half-tablets should be taken as the next dose.

If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet, swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the extended-release tablet.

If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

If you are taking an oral solution, use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Gabapentin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • lung problems or disease
  • a disease that affects the brain and nerves
  • myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
  • history of substance abuse
  • poor general health e.g. low body weight, previous organ transplant
  • kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Gabapentin to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine tests), inform your doctor that you are taking Gabapentin.

Do not switch between different brands or drug preparations unless advised by your doctor.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your kidney function is normal during treatment. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
What side effects could I experience?
Gabapentin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, weakness, dry mouth or throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, stomach wind, blurry or double vision, cough, fever, muscle, joint, or back pain, pimples, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience
any of the following:
  • signs of serious allergic reaction that may affect the skin or other parts of the body e.g. rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, unexpected muscle pain
  • slow or shallow breathing
  • having thoughts of self-harm
  • unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
  • persistent stomach pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any strong painkiller e.g. morphine.

Gabapentin should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take it between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Gabapentin.
How should I store this medicine?
Available products of Gabapentin may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on gabapentin - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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