Gabapentin

It varies from person to person. Some people take about a week or two before noticing relief in pain. Whereas, some people may see an improvement straight away. It is recommended that you take Gabapentin only for nerve pain and as advised by your doctor.

Yes, Gabapentin may cause weight gain because it increases your hunger. Regular physical exercise and a balanced diet with low calorie food may help you maintain a stable weight. Consult a dietitian if you have any further concerns to keep your weight stable.

Your doctor will decide the duration of the treatment based on your condition and your response to the treatment. For instance, if you have been prescribed Gabapentin for epilepsy, you may have to take it for a long time, maybe years even if your seizures are controlled. Whereas, if you are taking it for nerve pain and it has relieved your pain, you may have to take it for several months only.

Taking Gabapentin may cause yellowing of the skin or eyes (warning signs of jaundice), trouble in breathing or talking and tightness in chest or throat (suggestive of serious allergic skin reactions). It may provoke suicidal thoughts and cause unusual bruises or bleeding which may be due to blood disorder. Other serious side effects may include muscle weakness and pain, fever which could lead to kidney failure, long-lasting stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (suggestive of pancreatitis and rash).

No, it will not be addictive if you take it as per your doctor’s recommendations. However, physical dependence has been reported in people who had taken more than the recommended dose of Gabapentin or had used Gabapentin for illnesses it is not approved for.

No, Gabapentin is not a simple pain reliever. It is important that you follow your doctor’s advice strictly. Taking it off and on may not give you the desired results and may worsen your pain.

A higher than the recommended dose of Gabapentin may cause faintness, dizziness, double vision, unclear speech, drowsiness, tiredness and mild diarrhea. The person requires immediate medical attention by a doctor or in a nearby hospital.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), birth control pills, medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole, and doxycycline), medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir), asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), etc. Also, inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems, or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).

If Gabapentin makes you feel sleepy, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.

No, Gabapentin does not have any effect on oral birth control pills.