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Apo-Gabapentin

(gabapentin)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Gabapentin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Gabapentin?
• What form(s) does Apo-Gabapentin come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Gabapentin?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Gabapentin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Gabapentin?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Gabapentin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Apo-Gabapentin?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

back pain constipation coughing dizziness drowsiness dry mouth erectile difficulties (problems getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse) fatigue

heartburn increased appetite itchy skin muscle pain nervousness runny nose sore throat swelling of feet or ankles tremors (shaking) twitching weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal heartbeat
• abnormal thoughts
• involuntary eye movements, double vision, or other vision changes
• poor coordination
• problems with your teeth or gums
• speech problems such as slurred speech; abnormal rhythm, speed, or tone (such as sounding hoarse or "nasal") of speech; limited mouth or tongue movements; or drooling
• symptoms of decreased white blood cell levels (which help fight infection) in the blood, e.g.:
  • frequent infections
  • high fever
  • sore throat
  • sores on the body or mouth
• symptoms of depression, e.g.:
  • feeling sad
  • feelings of hopelessness or guilt
  • increased or decreased appetite
  • losing interest in work, hobbies, or friends
  • sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
  • thoughts of suicide
  • weight loss or gain

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a heart attack, e.g.:
  • anxiety
  • chest pain or pressure
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea
  • sweating
  • shortness of breath
• symptoms of a stroke, e.g.:
• sudden confusion
• sudden difficulty speaking
• sudden unexplained numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden unexplained severe headache
• sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, e.g.:
  • difficulty breathing
  • hives
  • swelling of the face or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Gabapentin?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin, as gabapentin may cause alcohol intolerance that leads to an unpleasant reaction after drinking alcohol, such as flushing, redness of the face after drinking alcohol, nausea, palpitations, or headache.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: If you have uncontrolled epilepsy, do not drive or handle potentially dangerous machinery. Gabapentin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or problems with coordination. Avoid any activity requiring mental alertness or physical coordination until you determine that gabapentin does not affect you in this way.

Kidney function: Gabapentin is not removed from the body as quickly in people with reduced kidney function as compared with those who have regular kidney function. Your doctor may reduce your dose as needed.

Stopping the medication: As with other medications used to control seizures, stopping gabapentin suddenly could increase the risk of seizures. Do not stop gabapentin suddenly. Ask your doctor how to safely and gradually stop the medication.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking gabapentin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with Apo-Gabapentin?

There may be an interaction between gabapentin and any of the following:

• antacids containing magnesium or aluminum
• cimetidine
• hydrocodone
• morphine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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