Gabapentin

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Neurontin, Gralise

Hypersensitivity

• Diplopia (6-10%)
• Nystagmus (6-10%)
• Tremor (6-10%)
• Amblyopia (1-5%)
• Back pain (1-5%)
• Constipation (1-5%)
• Depression (1-5%)
• Dry mouth (1-5%)
• Dysarthria (1-5%)
• Dyspepsia (1-5%)
• Hostility (5-8% children)
• Hyperkinesia (3-5%)
• Increased appetite (1-5%)
• Leukopenia (1-5%)
• Myalgia (1-5%)
• Nervousness (1-5%)
• Peripheral edema (1-5%)
• Pharyngitis (1-5%)
• Pruritus (1-5%)
• Rhinitis (1-5%)
• Vasodilation (1-5%)
• Weight gain (1-5%)
• Abnormal vision (>1%)
• Anorexia (>1%)
• Arthralgia (>1%)
• Asthenia (>1%)
• HTN (>1%)
• Malaise (>1%)
• Paresthesia (>1%)
• Purpura (>1%)
• Vertigo (>1%)
• Angioedema
• Blood glucose fluctuation
• Breast enlargement
• Erythema multiforme
• Elevated liver function tests
• Fever
• Hyponatremia
• Jaundice
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Adverse events following abrupt discontinuation have also been reported; the most frequently reported events have been anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating

Increased blood CPK levels and rhabdomyolysis reported

Antiepileptic drugs increase risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication; monitor for emergence or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior

Anaphylaxis and angioedema reported after first dose or at any time during treatment; instruct patients to discontinue therapy and seek medical care should they experience signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema

May cause CNS depression, which may impair ability to operate heavy machinery; advise patients not to drive until they have gained enough experience to assess whether therapy will impair ability to drive

Extended release formulation (Garlise) not studied in the treatment of seizures

Extended release formulation (Garlise), not interchangeable with immediate release

May potentiate effects of other sedatives or ethanol when administered concomitantly

Do not discontinue abruptly (may increase seizure frequency); gradually taper over a minimum of 1 week

Ages 3-12 years: Risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events, including emotional lability, hostility, thought disorders, and hyperkinesia

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy

Gabapentin is secreted in human milk following oral administration; effects on breastfed infant and on milk production are unknown; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from treatment or from underlying maternal condition