Gabapentin (Generic Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug that is used alongside other medications to control and prevent seizures.

It is also used to help relieve nerve pain a patient experiences following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults.

Gabapentin Prescription

Gabapentin is the generic version of Neurontin, and requires a prescription. You can buy generic gabapentin at Blink Health Pharmacy.

Blink Health Pharmacy offers a discounted price on gabapentin by working directly with the pharmaceutical supply industry to negotiate lower prices, and passes the savings onto patients.

All generic medications sold through Blink Health Pharmacy are FDA-approved. All FDA-approved generics must have the same strength, dosage form, safety and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts.

In 2017, Gabapentin was ranked #11 as the most prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 46 million prescriptions.

How to use gabapentin?

It’s important to read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist, before you begin taking gabapentin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your clinician or pharmacist.

Take gabapentin by mouth, either with or without food as directed by your licensed medical professional. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, as well as your response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on their weight.

If you are taking the tablet form of gabapentin and your licensed medical professional directs you to split the tablet in half, take the other half-tablet at your next scheduled dose. Be sure to discard remaining half-tablets if you haven’t used them within 28 days of splitting them. If you are taking the capsules, always swallow them whole with plenty of water.

It is very important to follow your licensed medical professional’s dosing instructions exactly. During the first few days taking gabapentin, your licensed medical professional may gradually increase your dose so that your body can adjust to the medication. To minimize the occurrence of side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime.

To get the most benefit, take this medication regularly. Gabapentin will work best when the amount of medication in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take gabapentin at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day as prescribed. If taking this medication three times per day to control seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses, or you may increase the risk of having a seizure.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently without consulting your licensed medical professional. Your risk of serious side effects can increase, and your condition will not improve any faster.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your licensed medical professional. Some conditions can become worse when gabapentin is stopped suddenly. If you wish to stop taking gabapentin, your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking the antacid.

Different forms of gabapentin (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to the other without consulting your licensed medical professional.

Tell your licensed medical professional if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What are the side effects of gabapentin?

It’s important to be aware of possible side effects before you start taking a medication. Here are the listed side effects for this drug:

Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

You can not take Prescription for a long time, you need find a way to treat your pain without prescription. Exercising is the best way to relieve your pain. because exercising can enhance your immune system and increase your muscle strength and make your nerve strong.

Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Dizziness and drowsiness are common gabapentin side effects. Weight gain and uncoordinated movement are possible side effects.

Some gabapentin side effects, such as drowsiness, are more likely to occur when you first start taking the drug. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. But if you’re dizzy, unsteady or drowsy, avoid any activities — such as driving or operating machinery — that could be dangerous.

Side effects sometimes occur because of a combination of drugs you’re taking. Gabapentin doesn’t generally interact with other medications, but antacid medications, such as Maalox, can affect the way your body absorbs gabapentin. To avoid this issue, be sure to take gabapentin antacids at least two hours apart from each other.

One concern about certain anti-seizure medications, including gabapentin, is that they might cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Some studies have found an increase in suicidal behaviors in people taking anti-seizure medications, but the research is unclear about whether or not the medication actually increases this risk. Be sure to talk to a doctor or mental health care provider immediately if you’re having suicidal thoughts.

And let your doctor know if you have questions about gabapentin side effects or are experiencing troublesome side effects that aren’t going away.

Common side effects

The more common side effects of gabapentin include:

• abnormal eye movements that are continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty speaking
• drowsiness or tiredness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting

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