How does it work?

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medicine that can be used to regulate the activity of nerves. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. It is not fully understood how gabapentin acts. Gabapentin probably helps to stabilise electrical nerve activity in the brain leading to the prevention of fits and maintenance of normal brain function. Gabapentin is normally used together with one of the standard anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine. It is only used in the treatment of epilepsy that is not well controlled, or for people who are unable to take standard anti-epileptic medicines. Gabapentin can also be used to treat pain caused by damage to nerves (neuropathic pain).

What is it used for?

Nerve pain

Partial seizures

Secondary generalised seizures

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly. If this medicine is discontinued it should be done gradually over a period of one week.

There is no safety information regarding the use of this medicine in children under 6 years. It is therefore not recommended for this age group.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes

History of psychotic illness

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine is present in breast milk. The effect on the infant is unknown. It is recommended not to use this medicine when breastfeeding or, alternatively, not to breastfeed when taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Weight gain

Visual disturbances

Loss of contact with reality (psychosis)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)

Loss of memory (amnesia)

Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)

Unstable moods (emotional lability)

Nervousness

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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