This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on gabapentin.
What are the possible side effects of gabapentin?
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking gabapentin and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take gabapentin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
- blurred or double vision;
- irregular back-and- forth movements of the eyes;
- nausea and vomiting; or
- tremor.
- If children 3 to 12 years of age experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately
- emotional liability (anxiety, behavior problems, crying, false sense of well-being, mental depression, reacting too quickly, too emotionally, or overreacting, rapidly changing moods);
- hostility (aggressive behavior, suspiciousness, or distrust);
- restlessness, hyperactivity or increase in body movements;
- amnesia (loss of memory); or
- thought disorders (concentration problems and change in school performance).
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect gabapentin?
- Gabapentin does not interact with other commonly used antiseizure medications.
- Antacids will decrease the amount of gabapentin that is absorbed in the stomach. Do not take gabapentin for at least 2 hours after a dose of antacid.
- Gabapentin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with gabapentin or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about gabapentin written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database
Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 7.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.