Gabapentin
Also sold as: Neurontin, Gabantin
Prescription neededEpilepsy and nerve pain
Comes as:CapsuleTablet
Usual adult dose
For nerve pain or epilepsy: start with 300 mg once a day; the doctor raises it slowly, usually to 900 mg to 3,600 mg a day in three doses. Lower doses are used in kidney disease. It can be misused; do not stop it suddenly.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- unsteady walking
- tiredness
- swelling of the legs
- weight gain
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow breathing (especially with opioids)
- thoughts of suicide
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Kidney disease (lower dose needed)
- History of drug misuse (use with caution)
- Taking opioids or other sedatives (use with caution)
- Older people (use with caution — risk of falls)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Morphine
Together they increase sedation and the risk of slowed breathing.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tramadol
Together they increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide
Antacids reduce gabapentin absorption; take gabapentin 2 hours after the antacid.