Common side effects of Gabapentin

For people who have epilepsy and suffer from certain types of seizures, Gabapentin is recommended to treat the condition. However, this medicine is not a cure for epilepsy but works to control seizures as long as you consume it.

This medication is also prescribed by the doctor to adults in order to provide relief from nerve pain after a case of shingles. It is important to know that Gabapentin is available in capsules, tablets, and oral solutions.

Gabapentin belongs to a class of medicines called anticonvulsants. This medication treats seizures by reducing abnormal excitement in your brain. While it also relieves your nerve pain by altering the way your body senses pain. 

Keep one thing in your mind, Gabapentin is safe when taken as directed by the doctor. Though the medicine comes with a few common side effects that can be managed easily.

People with certain conditions like kidney disorders might be at an increased risk for experiencing Gabapentin toxicity. It is always better to consult with the doctor once before starting any new medicines when already using the Gabapentin tablet.

Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of this medication. While weight gain and uncoordinated movement are some possible side effects of Gabapentin.

When you first start the intake of this medication, you are more likely to experience some side effects of gabapentin like drowsiness. Such type of side effects often goes away when your body adjusts to the medicine.

But when you experience dizziness, drowsiness or unsteadiness then avoid indulging in activities like operating heavy machines or driving as it can be dangerous.

Some of the side effects also occur due to the combination of medicines that you are taking. Usually, Gabapentin does not interact with other medicines but antacid drugs like Maalox can restrict the way your body absorbs Gabapentin.

To avoid such problems, it is necessary for you to take gabapentin antacids almost two hours apart from each other.

Common side effects of Gabapentin

Some of the common side effects of Gabapentin tablet include:

• Constipation
• Abnormal eye movements that are uncontrolled, continuous, back and forth, or rolling
• Vomiting
• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Nausea
• Difficulty speaking
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Red or itchy eyes

However, if you find these side effects persist or turn out to be worse then immediately meet the doctor.

How do avoid common side effects of Gabapentin?

Considering a few precautions and warnings beforehand can help you to avoid some common and serious side effects of Gabapentin.

Inform the doctor, if you are allergic to gabapentin and other similar drugs or any inactive ingredients present in this medication. It is better to discuss with the doctor all the inactive ingredients present in Gabapentin.  

It is necessary to know that gabapentin comes in different forms that might be recommended for different uses. Ask the doctor to ensure that you are not taking more than one product like Gabapin that contains gabapentin.  

Also, tell the doctor about all other products you use including herbal supplements, prescription, and non-prescription medicines. This will help the doctor to recommend Gabapentin accordingly and adjust the dosage of other drugs.

Make sure you inform the doctor about using antidepressants, and antihistamines medicines for anxiety that make you feel dizzy or drowsy.

In case, you are taking antacids like Mylanta or Maalox then take them almost 2 hours before you take the Gabapentin capsule, tablet or solution. Tell your doctor, if you have or have ever suffered from lung or kidney disease.

In case, you are taking extended-release tablets then tell the doctor, if you require to sleep during the day and awake at night.

Inform your doctor, if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. In case, you become pregnant during your treatment with gabapentin then immediately meet the doctor. 

If you are undergoing any surgery including dental surgery then tell your doctor about using gabapentin well in advance.

Avoid the consumption of alcohol when using Gabapentin tablets because alcohol decreases the effectiveness of this medicine and causes side effects like dizziness & drowsiness.

Therefore, common side effects of Gabapentin can be managed easily under the supervision of the doctor.