Concise a broad strokes summary and core concepts
Gabapentin, commonly known by the brand name Neurontin, belongs to the gabapentinoid family and is used primarily for some seizure disorders and for certain types of nerve pain. Its role in Australian practice includes adjunctive therapy for epilepsy and management of neuropathic pain when appropriate.
Key ideas at a glance:
- The product's active ingredient is gabapentin
- Therapeutic class: anticonvulsant, gabapentinoid
- Typical forms: capsules and tablets in strengths such as 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg
Only use gabapentin that has been prescribed for you and adhere to the administration instructions for dosing given by your prescriber. For quick navigation, return to atop at any time via Go back to top.
Before you begin
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any relevant health issues or circumstances before receiving gabapentin. These details can change the recommended dose besides the monitoring in real time plan.
- If you have reduced kidney function or you are receiving dialysis
- History of mood disorders, depression or previous self-harm
- Known allergies or unusual drug sensitivities
- If you are pregnant, seeking to conceive, or breastfeeding
- If you have long term breathing problems or you use opioid medications
These factors may affect safety and dosing. For reference, refer to the next section. dedicated to Health monitoring and everyday safety for follow up and guarding measures. Take me back the page top Return to where you left off the topmost layer.
How to take up a hobby gabapentin for best results
Take gabapentin with a full glass of water. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach; if you experience stomach upset, try taking it alongside a meal or with a little milk. Keep dose intervals regular throughout the day according to the schedule your prescriber gives you.
- If you split scored 600 mg or 800 mg tablets, use the other half at the next scheduled time. Dispose of halves not used within three days.
- Do not stop gabapentin suddenly unless a clinician instructs you to. Abrupt withdrawal may increase the risk of seizures.
- For children, doses are calculated based on age and body weight; follow pediatric guidance carefully.
- In case of an an opioid overdose situation contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or attend the nearest emergency department. Call 000 for life threatening emergencies.
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Missed and extra doses
If you skip a dose, take it immediately when you remember. If the next scheduled dose is due in under four hours, skip the i forgot to take the dose and continue with your regular timetable. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
If you or someone else has taken more than the prescribed amount, seek medical attention immediately or phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for 24 hour advice.
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Interactions among users between medicines amid other medications
Various medicines and substances can influence gabapentin absorption or intensify its medication side effects. Always list all prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, supplements and recreational substances when you talk to your clinician.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce gabapentin absorption; separate doses by at least two hours
- Opioids such as morphine can increase sedation paired with the risk of respiratory depression when combined with gabapentin
- Sevelamer can lower gabapentin absorption; consider taking them at different times
- Naproxen has been reported to change gabapentin exposure in some patients; monitor for effects
Avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin because it can worsen drowsiness and dizziness. For more on staying safe see Observation and everyday safety. To atop of the page Back to top.
Network monitoring and everyday safety
Regular follow up allows your prescriber to assess benefit and tolerability. The suggestions below can help reduce risk while using gabapentin.
- Keep scheduled appointments for dose review and symptom checks
- If seizures become more frequent or you notice new seizure types, contact your prescriber without delay
- If you have epilepsy, carry an up to date list of your medicines and consider medical identification
- Gabapentin may cause sleepiness, dizziness or blurred vision; avoid driving or operating heavy equipment until you know how you react
- Stand up slowly to reduce lightheadedness, particularly in older people
- Simple remedies such as sipping water or chewing sugar free gum can ease dry mouth
- Like other antiepileptics, gabapentin has been linked in rare cases with new or worsening suicidal thoughts; seek urgent help if mood or thinking changes occur
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Prevailing chronic side effects to be mindful of
Not everyone will experience indirect effects. Below are the more serious reactions that need urgent attention paired with the more commonly reported, less severe effects.
Grim consequences requiring immediate medical care
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
- New or worsening depression or thoughts of self harm or suicide
- Marked drowsiness or breathing problems, especially if combined with opioids or other sedatives
Common and mild effects
- Dizzy spell and blurred vision
- Nausea and constipation
- Coordination difficulties, tremor or slurred speech
- Weight gain problem in some people
If you notice persistent or unusual symptoms, tell your health professional. See Usage monitoring and everyday safety for advice on follow up. Head to the the page top Return once more to the page top.
Safekeeping and disposal
Store and discard gabapentin safely to prevent accidental ingestion and environmental contamination.
- Keep medicines out of the reach and sight of children
- Store at ordinary room temperature, for example 15 to 30 degrees C, and protect from excessive heat, light and moisture
- Do not use medication after the expiry date. Return unwanted or expired tablets and capsules to a pharmacy via the Return Unwanted Medicines program for secure disposal
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Alternative and similar drugs
Treatment choice depends on the condition being treated, other health problemsfuture promise online intercommunications connect users across distances. and cost. Below are medicines commonly considered as diverse a different possibilitys or complements to gabapentin.
- Pregabalin (Lyrica): a related gabapentinoid often used for neuropathic pain and some seizure indicators of
- Carbamazepine: frequently used for focal seizures and trigeminal neuralgia
- Lamotrigine: selected for certain seizure types because of its tolerability
- Levetiracetam: commonly prescribed for focal and some generalised seizures
- Topiramate: used for seizures and sometimes for migraine prevention
- For neuropathic pain other options include tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine, and topical agents such as lidocaine patches
Discuss options with your prescriber to match expected benefits, secondary effects and likely costs. For an the essentials at a glance of costs see Estimated australian retail prices. Head to the page top Go to page top.
Estimated broad price ranges in Australia
Costs vary by pharmacy, brand versus generic product, strength, pack size and whether a script is PBS subsidised. The numbers below are approximate and may change over time.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin or generic): when supplied under the PBS for an approved indication most patients pay the PBS co payment (around AUD 31 per standard supply for general patients and about AUD 7 for concession card holders). Private prescriptions for non PBS uses may range from about AUD 10 to AUD 45 depending on strength and pack size.
- Pregabalin: often PBS subsidised for neuropathic pain; private retail prices for a mid sized pack are commonly AUD 15 to AUD 40.
- Other antiepileptics such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate are widely available and many formulations are PBS listed, with most patients paying the standard PBS co payment.
Ask your local pharmacist about current PBS listings alongside the most cost effective generic options for your prescription. Go back to the crown: Navigate to the top rank.
Official status in law and regulatory notices and notes in Australia
Below are the main legal and regulatory compliance considerations when obtaining and using gabapentin throughout Australia.
- Scheduling: Gabapentin is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine under the Australian Poisons Standard and requires a valid prescription for dispensing
- Driving: If gabapentin causes drowsiness, dizziness or vision changes you must not drive or operate heavy machinery. People with epilepsy should follow Austroads and state licensing requirements on fitness to drive
- Personal importation: Under the TGA Personal Use Import Scheme it may be possible to import up to a three month supply for personal use with a valid prescription and the medicine in original packaging; check current TGA guidance before importing
- Online purchase: Only buy prescription medicines from reputable Australian pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Avoid unverified overseas websites
- Never share prescription medicines. Store them securely and return unused supplies to a pharmacy for disposal
Regulations and PBS listings change from time to time. Confirm current rules with your prescriber, pharmacist or the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Return again to on top: Top of page.
Help and emergency contacts
Use the contacts below for urgent medical advice or help related to poisoning, severe medication side effects or mental health crises.
- Emergency services: Dial 000 for immediate medical emergencies
- Poisons Information Centre (Australia): Call 13 11 26 for 24 hour advice on experiencing an overdoses and poisoning
- For non urgent medication queries speak with your pharmacist or the clinician who prescribed your medicine
If you are feeling very low or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek urgent help by calling emergency services or a local crisis line in your state or territory. Return to where you were the zenith: Up to at the top of the page.
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