Category: Gabapentin

Is Gabapentin a Controlled Substance ?

Gabapentin is a controlled medicine. This means there are strict rules on how it’s prescribed and dispensed to make sure it’s not given to the wrong person or misused.

When you collect gabapentin, your pharmacist will ask for proof of identity such as your passport or driving licence. You’ll also be asked to sign the back of your prescription, to confirm that you’ve received it.

If you’re collecting gabapentin for someone else, you’re legally required to show the pharmacist proof of your identity if asked.

Can I Drive or Ride a Bike After I Taking Gabapentin ?

You may feel sleepy, tired or dizzy when you first start taking gabapentin. This may also happen if your dose has increased.

If this happens to you, do not drive or ride a bike until you feel better.

It’s an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It’s your responsibility to decide if it’s safe to drive. If you’re in any doubt, do not drive.

If you have epilepsy, you are generally not allowed to drive until:

    • you have not had any seizures (while awake) for 1 year
    • you have only had seizures while you’re asleep

If you change your epilepsy medicine, your doctor will tell you whether you need to stop driving and for how long.

How to Take Gabapentin With Other Medicines and Herb Supplements ?

Some medicines may affect how gabapentin works or increase the chance of you having side effects.

Antacids can reduce the amount of gabapentin that the body takes in so it does not work as well. To stop this happening, if you need to take an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or after your dose of gabapentin.

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medicines before you start gabapentin treatment:

    • strong painkillers, such as morphine – these can make you very tired and dizzy when you start taking gabapentin
    • antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine
    • antipsychotic medicines for mental health problems like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
    • a medicine to prevent malaria called mefloquine

Mixing gabapentin with herbal remedies or supplements

Taking herbal remedies and supplements that can make you feel dizzy or drowsy while you’re taking gabapentin could make these side effects worse.

Gabapentin can intensify the highs of recreational drugs like cannabis and heroin.

So, if you use recreational drugs alongside gabapentin, there may be more chance of unpleasant side effects like panic attacks, anxiety and memory loss.

Who Can Not Take Gabapentin ?

Gabapentin is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

    • have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any other medicine
    • have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine
    • are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant
    • are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)