Gabapentin 600 mg
Pill Identifier Gabapentin 600 mg. HORIZANT extended-release tablets (Horizant) and Gralise are red, with occasional black/grey spots, oval-shaped tablets debossed with “GS TF7”.
Do not interchange immediate-release and extended-release gabapentin formulations due to differing pharmacokinetic profiles. Dose should be titrated according to clinical response and tolerance. Max: 3,600 mg/day.[1]
Dosing information
Pill identifier gabapentin 600 mg is a prescription medication used to treat postherpetic neuralgia. It is also used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The recommended dosage for adults is 600 mg once daily at about 5 PM. A daily dose of 1,200 mg has been studied, but did not provide additional benefit and caused an increase in adverse reactions.[2]
Adults with impaired renal function may require an adjustment of gabapentin dosing based on estimated creatinine clearance. The dose should be reduced if the creatinine clearance decreases rapidly.
Patients should be instructed not to drive while taking this medication. Doses of greater than 600 mg a day may cause somnolence, which may affect driving.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor. The drug may reduce the risk of pain during childbirth, fetal complications and difficulty breastfeeding.
In addition, it has been shown to reduce pain scores in the first 48 h after surgery. It also helps to reduce morphine use and analgesic consumption during surgery. It also improves pain control and patient satisfaction. It should be given 1 hour before surgery.[3]
What happens if I miss a dose?
Gabapentin is a relatively new medication used to treat seizures and pain associated with herpes zoster (shingles) infection. It’s available in tablet form and comes in multiple dose sizes.
When it comes to taking gabapentin, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not skip any doses or take more than your prescribed amount, even if you think you’re feeling better.
If you miss a dose, make sure to wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to take another one. It’s also a good idea to avoid taking the medicine before you go to bed. If you do, it’s possible you may forget to take your next dose and get sick.[4]
To get the most out of your gabapentin, it’s best to take it at the same time each day. Taking the medicine at a different time of day can cause it to lose effectiveness over time. The medicine’s effects may also be reduced if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The best way to avoid these complications is to let your doctor know if you’re planning a pregnancy or plan on breast-feeding. The medicine is safe to use during pregnancy as long as you follow your doctor’s instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
If you overdose on gabapentin 600 mg, call your doctor right away. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred/double vision, shaking (tremor), and difficulty with coordination. The best way to avoid an overdose is to take this medicine at regular, evenly spaced doses throughout the day and night.[5]
This medication is also used to treat nerve pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster) infection in adults and children 3 years of age and older. It works by blocking nerve cells from sending signals to the brain. This decreases pain and swelling, and prevents the spread of infection.
Overdose of this drug is not common. However, a few people have experienced drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty with coordination after taking this drug. Some people may experience other side effects, such as confusion, loss of appetite, swollen arms or legs, trouble sleeping, or changes in mood.
A small number of people who have taken this drug have withdrawn from it because of problems with drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or blurred/double vision. These withdrawal symptoms are similar to those that occur with other CNS depressants such as alcohol and some benzodiazepines, so it is important to tell your doctor about any withdrawal symptoms you have.[6]
Pill identifier gabapentin 600 mg
To get the best results from this medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and always take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals to avoid a buildup of the drug in your body.[7]
Taking this drug with other medicines that cause drowsiness (such as opioid pain or cough relievers, alcohol, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, some antidepressants, and many others) may increase the risk of very serious side effects, including slow/shallow breathing. Ask your pharmacist if you need any special precautions when using this medicine with other products.
For example, antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this drug. You should wait at least 2 hours after taking an antacid before you take this medication.[8]
The most common side effect of this medication is headache. However, other side effects are also possible. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking this medication and seek medical attention right away:
Gabapentin side effects
Gabapentin side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. These can be very serious and should be reported to your doctor right away.[9]
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions associated with gabapentin are headache (26.7%), nausea (25.3%), dizziness (24%), and sedation (20%). These are similar to those reported with other antiepileptic drugs.
Pediatric patients aged 3-12 years have been more likely to experience neuropsychiatric side effects, such as emotional lability (4-6% vs. 1.3-2% for placebo), hostility, thought disorder, and hyperkinesia (primarily restlessness and hyperactivity).
Pain, joint swelling, or extremity pain have been reported in 3% of children and adults receiving immediate-release gabapentin. In addition, gastrointestinal problems have been reported in 3-6% of adults and children using extended-release products.
Other adverse reactions are more common in extended-release formulations and can include agitation, confusion, dysarthria, feeling drunk, and nystagmus. Affective and psychotic episodes have also been reported in 2% of adults and children using extended-release formulations.
Abdominal discomfort has been reported in 1% of adults and children taking immediate-release gabapentin. Some of these events may be symptomatic and can be difficult to diagnose.[10]
A patient should be given a lower dose of gabapentin if they have any signs of overdose, such as drowsiness or weakness. A higher dose should be used if the symptoms don’t get better or if they worsen.
What other drugs will affect gabapentin?
Taking gabapentin with other drugs may cause unwanted effects or increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.[11]
For example, gabapentin and a drug called carbamazepine can change how they work or increase your risk of getting a serious side effect. If you are using both of these drugs together, your doctor will probably recommend that you start with a lower dose and gradually increase your dose until you get the best results.
Other medications for pain (including narcotics, tramadol, and morphine) can also affect how gabapentin works. If you are taking gabapentin to treat neuropathic pain, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take each day. This medicine is most effective when it is taken regularly and at evenly spaced intervals.[12]
This medication is sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal in people with alcoholic use disorder (AUD). Studies have shown that it can help reduce cravings for and anxiety about drinking. It can also improve the overall health of patients with AUD. This drug can also be used to help prevent relapse of AUD symptoms in some people.
Where can I get more information?
Gabapentin 600 mg is a pill that is used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It is also prescribed for neuropathic pain and restless legs syndrome (RLS).[13]
You should take this medicine at regular intervals, and you shouldn’t let more than 12 hours pass between doses. If you have trouble taking this drug, talk to your doctor.
This medication can make you drowsy, so you should avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. It may also make you dizzy or blur your vision.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk, and it can affect your baby’s development.[14]
To reduce the risk of side effects, you should also not use antacids with this medication. They can interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and increase your risk of serious side effects.
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, hepatitis C, or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Gabapentin may also cause drowsiness or drowsing-related side effects in children.
You should also not use this medicine if you are allergic to it or to gabapentin enacarbil. It can also increase your risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Before starting treatment, your doctor will check your medical history and test your blood. You should also not change your dose without discussing it with your doctor first.[15]
