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Gabapentin

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(ga' ba pen tin)

Brand name(s): Neurontin

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Gabapentin is used in adults to treat certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy.

It is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Gabapentin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken three times a day. To minimize side

effects, take the very first dose at bedtime. Then take this medication at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night to ensure a constant level of gabapentin in your body. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gabapentin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take gabapentin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking gabapentin,

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from gabapentin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to gabapentin.

Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.

Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.