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GABAPENTIN (GA ba pen tin) treats nerve pain. It may also be used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neurontin
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Carefully measure the dose needed. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your medication. Tell your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Taking this medication with other CNS depressants can make you too sleepy. This can make it hard to breathe and stay awake. In some cases, it can cause coma and death. CNS depressants include opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, medications for sleep, and alcohol. Talk to your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together. Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake.
This medication can cause new or worsening depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in a small number of people. This can happen while you are taking this medication or after stopping it. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
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If you take this medication for seizures, wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Store in the refrigerator, between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.