The Neurontin brand of gabapentin can be taken with or without food. If you break a 600mg or 800mg Neurontin tablet in half, be sure to take the other half at your next dose or within 28 days.
The Gralise brand of gabapentin cannot be substituted for other gabapentin products due to differing administration requirements (once daily versus three times daily for other products).
Gralise should be taken with food at the evening meal. Gralise tablets should be swallowed whole; do not cut, crush, or chew.
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with food. For restless leg syndrome, take at roughly 5 PM in the evening. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablet. Do not interchange Horizant with other gabapentin products.
Use a manufacturer-provided or pharmacist-provided measuring cup calibrated for liquid formulations when measuring liquid doses of gabapentin. Do not use a kitchen measuring device or teaspoon because these may be inaccurate.
For dosage schedules of three times daily do not allow more than 12 hours between doses.
Monitor for mood changes and report any evidence of new or worsening mood or depression to the prescribing doctor.
Do not take gabapentin at the same time as antacids such as Maalox or Gaviscon. Separate administration by at least two hours. Take exactly as directed by your doctor, do not increase or decrease the dose without his or her advice.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness if gabapentin makes your drowsy or impairs your judgment.
The side effects of gabapentin, such as dizziness or drowsiness, may increase your risk of falling. Remove any fall hazards from your home if possible (such as loose rugs), and be careful when ascending or descending stairs.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any worsening of your mood or if you develop any suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking gabapentin without your doctor’s advice as it may precipitate a withdrawal reaction (symptoms include agitation, disorientation, confusion). When the time comes to discontinue gabapentin your doctor will tell you how to taper it off.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop a rash, fever, difficulty breathing or facial swelling while taking gabapentin.
The drug has been dubbed an “emerging threat” in the opioid epidemic in a national bulletin provided to narcotics officers.
It’s sold under the brand names:
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- Neurontin
- Gralise
- Horizant
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It’s been available as a generic in the United States since 2004.