Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. If you are taking the tablet form of gabapentin and your doctor directs you to split the tablet in half, take the other half-tablet at your next scheduled dose. Be sure to skip remaining half-tablets if you haven't used them within 28 days of splitting them. If you are taking the capsules, always swallow them whole with plenty of water. It is very important to follow your licensed medical professional's dosing instructions exactly. During the first few days taking gabapentin, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so that your body can adjust to the medication. To minimize the occurrence of side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently without consulting your doctor. Your risk of serious side effects can increase, and your condition will not improve any faster. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can become worse when gabapentin is stopped suddenly. If you wish to stop taking gabapentin, your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking the antacid. Different forms of gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to the other without consulting your licensed medical professional. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Typical starting dosage: Day 1, 300 mg; day 2, 600 mg (300 mg two times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day); day 3, 900 mg (300 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day). Your doctor may further increase your dosage after day 3.
Maximum dosage: 1,800 mg per day (600 mg, three times per day, spaced evenly throughout the day)
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
Dosage for people younger than 18 years has not been established.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to gabapentin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, upper stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- blue-colored skin, lips, fingers, and toes;
- confusion, extreme drowsiness or weakness;
- problems with balance or muscle movement;
- unusual or involuntary eye movements;
- increased seizures.
Gabapentin can cause life-threatening breathing problems. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Breathing problems may be more likely in older adults or in people with COPD. Some side effects are more likely in children taking gabapentin. Contact your doctor if the child taking this medicine has any of the following side effects:
- changes in behavior;
- memory problems;
- trouble concentrating;
- acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.
Common gabapentin side effects may include:
- fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness;
- jerky movements;
- headache;
- double vision;
- swelling of your legs and feet;
- tremors;
- trouble speaking;
- dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
- problems with balance or eye movements;
- nausea, vomiting.
