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Gabapentin (Neuraptine, Gralise, and Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack) is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to treat:
- Seizure disorders
- Postherpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles
Off-label uses (uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA) for gabapentin include:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Cocaine withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Hiccups
- Restless leg syndrome
- Excess sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Headaches
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Hot flashes
- Fibromyalgia
What Are Side Effects of Gabapentin?
Side effects of gabapentin include:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hostility
- Difficulty speaking
- Jerky movements
- Tremors
- Unsteadiness
- Unusual eye movements
- Double vision
- Memory loss
Serious side effects of gabapentin include:
- Weight gain
- Joint pain
- Motion sickness
- Viral infections
Antiepileptic medications including gabapentin have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Tell your doctor if this occurs.
What Is the Dosage of Gabapentin?
- The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 12 years of age and older is up to 600 mg three times daily.
- The dose of gabapentin to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures in patients 3 to 11 years of age is based on the patient’s body weight.
- The dose of gabapentin to treat postherpetic neuralgia is up to 1800 mg/day.
What Are Drug Interactions of Gabapentin?
Drug interactions of gabapentin include:
- Antacids
- Morphine
Can Gabapentin Be Used During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding?
- The safety of gabapentin during pregnancy is unknown.
- Gabapentin is secreted in human breast milk.
- Breastfeeding while using gabapentin is not recommended.
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Reviewed on 6/28/2022
References
REFERENCES:
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.goodrx.com/gabapentin/gabapentin-for-anxiety
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.goodrx.com/gabapentin/gabapentin-for-anxiety
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf