Frequently asked questions for Gabapentin + Amitriptyline
Gabapentin + Amitriptyline
Q. What is Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
Gabapentin+Amitriptyline is a combination of two medicines: Gabapentin and Amitriptyline. This medicine is useful in the treatment of nerve pain (neuropathic pain). This medicine calms the damaged or overactive nerves by acting on the brain, thereby decreasing the pain sensation.Q. Can I stop taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline when my pain is relieved?
No, you should not stop taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline even if your pain is relieved. Continue to take it as advised by your doctor. If you stop taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleeping difficulties, nausea, pain and sweating. You may need to gradually taper the dose before you stop the medication completely.Q. How to manage weight gain associated with the use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
The use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline can make you feel hungry which might make you eat more, thereby increasing your chances of putting on weight. However, preventing weight gain is easier than losing increased weight. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes (per-meal intake). Do not eat foods that contain a lot of calories, such as soft drinks, oily food, chips, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, avoid eating junk food and eat fruits, vegetables and low-calorie foods. Regular exercise will also help prevent weight gain. If you keep good eating habits and exercise regularly, you might not gain any weight.Q. Can the use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline cause sleepiness or drowsiness?
Yes, Gabapentin+Amitriptyline may make you feel drowsy or you may suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities. Sometimes, you might not even feel drowsy or have any other warning signs before you suddenly fall asleep. Avoid driving a car, operating machinery, working at heights or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your doctor if you experience such episodes while taking this medicine.Q. Can the use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline affect my sex life?
The use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline can affect the sexual life of both men and women. Different sexual problems can occur due to Gabapentin+Amitriptyline like decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (inability to develop or maintain an erection during the sexual activity) and inability to reach orgasm. It can also cause a decrease in satisfaction and cause discomfort during intercourse. If you experience these problems, discuss with your doctor. Do not stop taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline.Q. Can the use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline change the color of urine?
Yes, Gabapentin+Amitriptyline can the change the color of the urine to blue or green color. This change in color is expected while using Gabapentin+Amitriptyline, and it is not harmful. Your urine color becomes normal once you stop taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline.Q. Are there any serious side effects associated with the use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
Serious side effects with Gabapentin+Amitriptyline are uncommon and rare. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice changes in body temperature, difficulty in breathing, increased heartbeat (palpitations), weakness, unsteadiness when walking, reduced coordination or slowed reactions, unusual changes in mood or behavior such as restlessness, nervousness or excitement, signs of depression, seeing or hearing things that are not there, irrational thinking, blurred or double vision, uncontrollable jerky eye movements, difficulty seeing, signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These side effects are uncommon but may be serious and may need urgent medical attention.Q. How long will Gabapentin+Amitriptyline take to act?
An initial benefit of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline may be seen after 2 weeks of treatment. However, it may take around 2-3 months to see the full benefit. It may even take longer in some patients.Q. What if I forget to take Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
If you forget to take the scheduled dose of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed because this may increase the risk of unwanted side effect. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor about taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline.Q. What if I take too much of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline by mistake?
In a situation like this, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency help at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, weakness, unsteady when walking, having double visions, slurred speech or diarrhea, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, body temperature changes (low and high), difficulty in breathing and increased heart beat.Q. Will a higher than the recommended dose of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline be more effective?
No, taking a higher than the recommended dose may not be more effective, rather it may increase the chances of having some serious side effects and toxicity. If you experience increased severity of your symptoms, that are not relieved by the recommended doses, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.Q. Is there anything I need to avoid while taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
Gabapentin+Amitriptyline may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful while driving or doing an activity that requires you to be alert. Do not drink alcohol while taking Gabapentin+Amitriptyline. It can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact with this medicine and cause unwanted side effects. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Use of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline can make you more prone to sunburns. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors during daytime.Q. How often should I see the doctor?
You may need to see your doctor regularly if you have started to take Gabapentin+Amitriptyline. However, if the recommended dosage does not improve your symptoms or you experience some unwanted side effect that affects your routine activities, consult your doctor.Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Gabapentin+Amitriptyline?
Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.