Explanation

Gabapentin (also called Neurontin®) is a medicine to help control your epilepsy.

What does gabapentin do?

Gabapentin is used to stop the seizures caused by epilepsy. It helps to relax the neurons in your brain, to stop them getting over-excited.

What does it look like?

Gabapentin comes as a pill that you swallow. There are two different types of pills you can get - a capsule and a tablet.

You can also get gabapentin as a liquid that you swallow.

When do I have to take it?

Your doctor will tell you how often you need to take it. You usually take gabapentin three times a day.

You can take gabapentin with or without food. It's easiest to swallow the tablet or capsule with a glass of water.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

It's important to take your gabapentin every day, even if you don't feel like it, or even if you feel better.

If you don't take your gabapentin, then your brain can start getting over-excited again and you might have a seizure.

If you suddenly stop taking your gabapentin all together then that can make your seizures come back even worse than before and cause a really bad type of seizure called status epileptus. Stopping suddenly can also make you feel sick and nervous, and cause sweating, pain, and difficulty getting to sleep.

So - don't forget to take your gabapentin!

What should I do if I forget to take it?

Try and take your gabapentin at the times your doctor told you. Even if the adults looking after you forget - go and remind them!

If you do forget to take your gabapentin, then take the missed dose as soon as possible.

If it is almost time for the next dose, then don't worry. Just return to your normal schedule and take the next dose at the usual time.

Don't take twice as much the next time to try and make up for your missed dose - remember the three Ds: DON"T DOUBLE DOSE!

How much do I take?

That depends on how old you are, how often you have seizures, and whether you're taking the medicine as capsules, tablets or liquid.

Your doctor will decide on your own perfect dose.

The right dose is important. It's the best way to stay well, without getting side effects.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I take gabapentin?

The side effects that you are most likely to have if you are taking gabapentin are:

Feeling dizzy

Feeling sleepy or tired

Feeling weak

Feeling unsteady on your feet or unable to balance properly.

Feeling unable to concentrate or think clearly

Tremor (shakiness)

Mood changes (for example, you might start feeling really sad, or start to feel angry towards others)

Changes in behaviour

Swelling

Putting on weight

Viral infection

Fever

Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)

Those are just some of the most likely side effects you can get with gabapentin, make sure you tell your doctor if you notice anything else after taking it.

If any side effect annoys you so much that you want to stop taking gabapentin, tell your doctor. But do NOT stop taking gabapentin suddenly without asking your doctor.

What other side effects might I get?

Some side effects are more serious than others. The side effects below are rare, but they are serious, so it is important to watch out for them, just in case. Make sure you tell the adults looking after you or your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following:

Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin rash and redness, because these may be signs of an allergic reaction

Stomach pain all the time, feeling sick and being sick, because these may be signs of acute pancreatitis

If you are on haemodialysis, tell your doctor if you start getting pain in your muscles or they become weak

Thoughts of hurting or killing yourself

Is it safe for me to be taking gabapentin?

Before taking gabapentin, you should tell the doctor about any medical problems that you know you have.

Especially if you:

Have kidney problems

Have absence seizures. Gabapentin doesn't help with these seizures, and might make them worse.

Also, remember to tell your doctor if you have any allergies - to gabapentin or anything else. gabapentin tablets also contain lactose (a type of sugar), which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Is it OK for me to take gabapentin if I'm already taking other medicines?

Make sure you tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines for your epilepsy.

You should also mention anything you're taking for other medical problems, including drugs, special foods or herbal remedies.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking:

Any medicines containing morphine

Cimetidine

Antacids. You shouldn't take antacids until at least 2 hours after taking gabapentin.

Do I need to know anything else about gabapentin?

Gabapentin can make you feel less alert and also cause problems with your balance. This doesn't happen to everyone, but if it does happen to you make sure you take extra care when doing activities, like riding on your scooter or bicycle, or when you're using sharp objects, like scissors. You don't want to have an accident!

A small number of kids who take anti-epileptic drugs like gabapentin have had thoughts of hurting or killing themselves. If you ever feel like this, make sure you contact your doctor right away.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with epilepsy in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.