Side effects.

 Gabapentin works by affecting the
transmission of nerve signals in the brain.

The usual maximum daily dose is 2,400 mg taken in 3 equal doses of 800 mg each.Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.

Gabapentin may also be prescribed to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS), to relieve numbness and tingling related to diabetes, to prevent hot flashes, and to relieve pain that can accompany shingles (known as postherpetic neuralgia).

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

100 mg
Each hard gelatin capsule with white opaque cap and body and white-to-off-white powder fill, imprinted "APO 100", contains 100 mg of gabapentin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: magnesium stearate, sodium croscarmellose, and talc; capsule shell: edible blue ink, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulphate, and titanium dioxide.

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 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.

back pain

constipation

coughing

dizziness

drowsiness

dry mouth

erectile difficulties

fatigue

headache

heartburn

increased appetite

itchy skin

muscle pain

nervousness

runny nose

sore throat

swelling of feet or ankles

tremors (shaking)

twitching

weight gain

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

• abnormal heartbeat or heart palpitations
  abnormal thoughts
• involuntary eye movements,
  double vision, or other vision changes
• poor coordination
• problems with your teeth or gums
• shortness of breath
• speech problems such as slurred speech; abnormal rhythm,
   speed, or tone of speech; limited mouth or tongue movements; or drooling
• signs of depression
  (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight,
   changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities,
   thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection
  (symptoms may include fever or chills,
  severe diarrhea, shortness of breath,
   prolonged dizziness, headache,
  stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• symptoms of liver problems
   (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting,
   feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing
   of the skin and eyes, dark urine)

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

• hallucinations
• signs of a serious allergic reaction
   (e.g., swelling of face or throat,
  hives, or difficulty breathing)

You should know that gabapentin may increase the risk for suicide.

Suicidal thoughts or behavior occurs in about one in 500 people taking medications like gabapentin.
This risk may begin within a week of starting treatment.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

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.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin, 

as gabapentin may cause alcohol intolerance that leads t

o an unpleasant reaction after drinking alcohol, such as flushing,

redness of the face after drinking alcohol, nausea, palpitations, or headache.

Q: Why is gabapentin 300mg prescribed for anxiety and depression,
I thought it was for seizures?

A: Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-seizure medication, which is also sometimes utilized to relieve "sharp-shooting" nerve pain, associated with the herpes virus or shingles. It is not specifically indicated for anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, but a small number of studies have shown some favorable results in patients who have not received adequate relief from traditional medications. Neurontin (gabapentin) needs further research in use for psychiatric purposes, but it may prove to be a useful alternative. It may also be a good choice if the patient is also experiencing pain, as studies have also shown a link between pain and depression. The main side effect associated with Neurontin (gabapentin) is drowsiness/grogginess, but it has also been reported to cause weakness, tiredness, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, insomnia, unusual dreams, acne, mild skin rash, and blurred vision. After a person has been taking the medication for a period of time, they should not stop therapy abruptly, as the body may respond by having a seizure. To stop the medication, it should be tapered down in dose over a period of time, which your doctor will help you with. Patti Brown, PharmD