Gabapentin is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.

Gabapentin is also used in adults to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that occurs after shingles.

Gabapentin works in the brain to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, gabapentin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how gabapentin works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:

• Hydrocodone
• Morphine

If you take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours before you take gabapentin.

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to gabapentin.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems or are receiving dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

This medicine may increase depression or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressedor think about hurting yourself.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called multiorgan hypersensitivity, which can damage organs and be life-threatening.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. If you take this medicine to prevent seizures, your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop this medicine suddenly.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Behavior problems, aggression, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness (especially in children)

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine,

Chest pain, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Fever, rash, swollen or tender glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

Problems with coordination, shakiness, unsteadiness

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself, feeling depressed

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.