You may experience these side effects: Dizziness, blurred vision (avoid driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness or visual acuity); GI upset (take drug with food or milk, eat frequent small meals); headache, nervousness, insomnia; fatigue (periodic rest periods may help). Read this chapter of Davis's Drug Guide for Rehabilitation Professionals online now, exclusively on F.A. Davis PT Collection. F.A. Davis PT Collection is a subscription-based resource from McGraw Hill that features trusted content from the best minds in PT. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is a medicine used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless leg syndrome. It works on the chemical messengers in your brain and nerves. Gabapentin is from a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. Assess for and document side effects. Monitor for signs of abuse or dependence. Provide emotional support and frequent monitoring for patients at risk for suicidal ideation. Ensure proper hydration. Monitor weight regularly. Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed, at evenly spaced intervals. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsive medication that received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 and has been available in generic form in the USA since 2004. Gabapentin was originally used as a muscle relaxant and an anti-spasmodic. However, it was later discovered that gabapentin has the potential of an anticonvulsive medication and can be used as an adjunct to more Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Sometimes, breathing problems have been deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor. If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. If the patient is 3 to 12 years of age, use this drug with care. The risk of mood or behavior problems may be higher in these children. It is thought that Gabapentin may play a role in neural membranes. We use Gabapentin for the prevention of seizures for peripheral neuropathy, for neuropathic pain and for the prevention of migraines. So some of the side effects that we see with Gabapentin are things like drowsiness, facial edema, hypertension, and confusion. Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of gabapentin as follows: General allergic reactions: Gabapentin use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Ultimately, this results in decreased seizure activity. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal problems, such as dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Some clients might also experience hematologic side effects, like thrombocytopenia and leukopenia; while others can develop DRESS. Inform to take gabapentin at bedtime to minimize adverse effects. Do not suddenly stop gabapentin due to the increased risk of seizure. Teach the patient to avoid driving and activities that require concentration until the effects have been evaluated. Gabapentin administration requires meticulous nursing care. Nurses ensure proper medication administration, closely monitor side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, and assess for drug interactions. Patient education is crucial to promote adherence and minimize adverse effects. What are the side-effects of gabapentin (Neurontin)? Pharmacologic class: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. Therapeutic class: anticonvulsant, antineuralgic. Pregnancy category: C. Epilepsy dosage. Adults: PO: 300mg TDS. Maintenance dose: 900 – 1800mg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses. Children (3-12yrs): PO: 10 – 15mg/day in 3 divided doses. Three infants who were 2 to 3 weeks of age and one who was 14 weeks of age were breastfed during maternal use of gabapentin in an average daily dosages of 1575 mg (range 600 mg to 2.1 grams daily). Serum levels were measured after the morning nursing before the mothers' morning dose of gabapentin (10 to 15 hours after the prior evening's dose). Grab our free cheatsheet covering the 50 most commonly prescribed medications right here: to all the episodes at: Advise patient not to take gabapentin within 2 hr of an antacid. Gabapentin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Seizure patients should not resume driving until physician gives clearance based on control of seizure disorder. Educate patients about potential side effects of gabapentin, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Being aware of potential side effects helps patients recognize and attribute these symptoms to the medication, promoting early reporting and appropriate management. Gabapentin is approved to prevent and control partial seizures, relieve postherpetic neuralgia after shingles and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome. Learn what side effects to watch for, drugs to avoid while taking gabapentin, how to take gabapentin and other important questions and answers. Find information on Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant) in Davis’s Drug Guide including dosage, side effects, interactions, nursing implications, mechanism of action, half life, administration, and more. Davis Drug Guide PDF. It is crucial for nurses to be familiar with the potential side effects and nursing implications of medications like Gabapentin to ensure safe and effective care for their patients. By staying informed and proactive, nurses can play a vital role in managing the adverse effects associated with Gabapentin and provide optimal patient care.
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