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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.

To make sure you can safely take gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease; or
• (for patients with RLS) if you are a day sleeper or work a night shift.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gabapentin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Gabapentin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The Horizant brand of gabapentin should not be taken during the day. For best results, take Horizant with food at about 5:00 in the evening.

The Neurontin brand of 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.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using gabapentin suddenly. You may 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.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take gabapentin. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Use gabapentin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using gabapentin.

Store gabapentin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

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