Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Gabapentin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).
Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking this medicine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking gabapentin.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Take gabapentin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.
If you break a tablet and take one half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Gabapentin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Gabapentin can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take gabapentin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb gabapentin.