Gabapentin

( Neurontin, Horizant )

Medically Reviewed by Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 21, 2022

Warnings

What are the risks of taking gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Gabapentin can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients.

Some of the serious risks of gabapentin use include:

Allergic reaction: Rarely, some patients can develop a severe allergic reaction to gabapentin. Signs and symptoms may include rash, hives, wheezing, and swelling of the tongue, face, hands, and feet. This condition requires emergency medical attention
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Gabapentin can cause changes in mental health and lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so). This can occur as quickly as one week after starting the medicine. Be vigilant for new or worsening symptoms of depression or changes in mood or behavior during treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any such symptoms. People who are taking other anti-epileptic drugs are at increased risk of suicidal thinking. Also, monitor children on gabapentin for mood changes, restlessness, trouble concentrating, aggression, or a drop in school performance.
Difficulty concentrating: The adverse effects of gabapentin include drowsiness. This medication can also make it difficult to concentrate and focus. The risk is higher when you first start taking the medication and at higher doses or when used with alcohol. Be sure to avoid activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how gabapentin affects you.
Withdrawal symptoms: When gabapentin is used to treat seizures, stopping the medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal and more seizures. Talk to your health care provider about gradually reducing the dose before stopping the medication.
Breathing problems: Taking gabapentin with other medications such as opioid pain relievers can lead to serious breathing problems. This risk is higher in people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD. Call your doctor without delay if you notice any problems with breathing.

Your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe other treatments for seizure control or post-herpetic neuralgia if you are at high risk of complications from gabapentin use.

What should I tell my doctor before starting gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions. Gabapentin may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as lung or kidney disease.

Before you fill a gabapentin prescription, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.

Also tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any of its active ingredients. Your pharmacy can provide you with a list of ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on gabapentin treatment.

What precautions should I take while on gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Keep all your health care appointments. Your doctor may order tests to keep an eye on your health while you’re on gabapentin.
Gabapentin is available in different formulations for different uses. Make sure you are not taking more than one product containing gabapentin. Also, ensure that your pharmacy gives you the form of the medication you have been prescribed and not a substitute.
If you take antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, be sure to take them at least 2 hours before taking your gabapentin capsules, tablets, or oral solution.
If you are having a dental procedure or surgery, tell your doctors you are taking gabapentin.
This medication can make you drowsy and/or dizzy. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires focus until you know how gabapentin affects you.
Gabapentin can cause suicidal thinking and behaviors. Monitor yourself or your child for any changes in mental health during treatment. Symptoms can include agitation, irritability, anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends and family, and talking about harming themselves.

Please call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as rash, swelling, seizures, confusion, or extreme sleepiness while on gabapentin.

What drugs can interact with gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Taking gabapentin with some other medicines can affect how this medication works. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your doctor may choose a different anticonvulsant medication for you, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known interactions between gabapentin and your other medications.

There can be interactions between gabapentin and medicines such as:

Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medications
Antihistamines
Naproxen (Aleve, Naproxen)
Opioid painkillers (Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin)
Sleeping pills and tranquilizers

This list does not describe all possible gabapentin interactions. Please give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with gabapentin.

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