What is this medicine?
GABAPENTIN (GA ba pen tin) is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Gabapentin 100MG Capsules | GREENSTONE | 90/$25.99 or 270/$64.96 |
| Gabapentin 300MG Capsules | GREENSTONE | 90/$59.99 or 270/$169.97 |
| Gabapentin 400MG Capsules | GREENSTONE | 90/$74.99 or 270/$209.98 |
| Gabapentin 600MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 90/$92.99 or 270/$235.98 |
| Gabapentin 800MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 90/$72.99 or 100/$79.97 |
| Neurontin 100MG Capsules | PFIZER U.S. | 100/$78.74 or 300/$220.47 |
| Neurontin 250MG/5ML Solution | PFIZER U.S. | 470/$143.4 or 1410/$380.42 |
| Neurontin 300MG Capsules | PFIZER U.S. | 30/$58.42 or 90/$171.95 |
| Neurontin 400MG Capsules | PFIZER U.S. | 30/$69.44 or 90/$197.33 |
| Neurontin 600MG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 90/$314.2 or 100/$348.35 |
| Neurontin 800MG Tablets | PFIZER U.S. | 90/$381.42 or 270/$1109.08 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
- nausea
- slurred speech
- tremors
- weight gain
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.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
If you are directed to break the 600 or 800 mg tablets in half as part of your dose, the extra half tablet should be used for the next dose. If you have not used the extra half tablet within 3 days, it should be thrown away.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- antacids
- hydrocodone
- morphine
- naproxen
- sevelamer
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.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to gabapentin or any ingredient in the formulation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may want to keep a record at home of how you feel your condition is responding to treatment. You may want to share this information with your doctor or health care professional at each visit. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking this medicine or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain if you are taking this medicine for seizures, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney disease
- suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
- an unusual or allergic reaction to gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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