Prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Post Shingles Neuropathy
  • Trigeminal Neuropathy
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Occipital Neuralgia
  • Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
  • Central Post-Stroke Pain
  • Post-Amputation Neuropathic Pain
  • Chronic Post-Surgical Pain

Very Common side effects

(may affect more than 1in 10 patients):
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness (increased risk of falls)

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10 patients):
  • Worsening fatigue
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Worsening memory
  • Weight gain

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1in 100 patients):
  • Dependence
  • Worsening sleep disorders
  • Increase in fatigue

 

Very Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
  • Addiction
  • Increased risk of death (especially when taken with other sedatives)

Safety Warnings

  • This medicine can make you feel tired in the morning.
  •  Do not drive or use heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
  •  If Gabapentin is ineffective after an 8-week trial OR causes unbearable side effects, it must be weaned off slowly.

Gabapentin provides meaningful pain relief for approximately 1 in 8 people with neuropathic pain.

It may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, falls, fractures, and memory problems.

How Effective Is Gabapentin?

  • Works in 1 out of 8 patients with nerve pain.

Dosage & Duration

  • Start with 100mg, taken up to three times a day.
  • It can take up to 4 weeks to show any benefit.

Important Precautions

Please inform your healthcare provider if any of the following apply to you:

  • Memory loss or dementia
  • Use of strong opioids
  • Use of other anti-epileptic medications
  • Use of other sleeping medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Kidney disease
  • Allergy to gabapentinoids

If you have any questions or would like further information, please ask during your pain consultation. We are happy to help.

Your GP or practice pharmacist may also be able to advise you further if needed.