Gabapentin (Neurontin) has FDA indication to treat postherpetic neuralgia and partial onset seizures. Controlled clinical trials in diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia show that gabapentin at 2400-3600 mg/day has a similar efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants and carbamazepine. Consistent, though less compelling clinical evidence supports its use for neuropathic cancer pain, pain associated with HIV infection, chronic back pain and others (readers wanting more in depth research findings are urged to consult Reference 1). Due to this emerging evidence, it is widely used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The exact mechanism and site of action of gabapentin is unknown.
Cautions with other medicines
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.