Gabapentin: how to take it safely
Neurontin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats epilepsy and nerve pain, such as after shingles or from diabetes.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
When to take it
Take it 3 times a day, at evenly spaced times.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Missing doses. This can trigger seizures.
- Stopping suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
- Alcohol.
- Driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.
- Antacids within 2 hours of your dose.
- Opioid painkillers and sedatives, which can slow breathing.
- Using more than prescribed.
Possible side effects
Dizziness, sleepiness, swollen ankles, unsteadiness.
Get help if
Trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, severe mood changes, or thoughts of harming yourself: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.