Taking gabapentin can make you sleepy. According to studies, about 20% of people taking gabapentin experience drowsiness or fatigue. It may be even more likely, affecting 20% to 30% of people, with Horizant. If you are taking gabapentin long-term, it’s important to discuss with your doctor: Regular Kidney Function Monitoring: This is vital, especially if you have pre-existing kidney disease. Monitoring for Respiratory Issues: Be particularly vigilant if you are on other central nervous system depressants. There are a number of drugs that should not be taken with gabapentin, including certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and drugs used to treat seizures. In some cases, taking these drugs with gabapentin can increase the risk of side effects or make the gabapentin less effective. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium might affect this medication's absorption. If taking an antacid, wait at least 2 hours after before taking gabapentin. Different forms of gabapentin (e.g., immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed differently. Do not switch forms without consulting your doctor. What you can take with it, what you can eat, drink and consume and most importantly, what is safe and what is not. You do not want to be putting yourself in any danger when on medication because it is there to help you. Continue reading to find out more information on this topic! What Is It? Generally, no, you cannot take pain medications with gabapentin. However, this depends on the regimen created by your healthcare provider. Unless directed to by your doctor, you should not mix painkillers like opioids with gabapentin, as this may increase the risk of adverse effects like central nervous system depression, leading to drowsiness Gabapentin, a medication primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain, is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, like many medications, it can interact negatively with other substances, leading to unwanted side effects or reduced efficacy. The primary reason you cannot take magnesium and gabapentin (Neurontin) simultaneously is due to a drug interaction that significantly reduces the effectiveness of gabapentin. Magnesium interferes with the absorption of gabapentin in the digestive system, leading to a lower concentration of the medication in the bloodstream. Aside from these medications, gabapentin can also cause false positive readings in the patient’s dipstick test for urinary protein. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider that you are taking gabapentin during the urine specimen collection. This interaction doesn’t happen with all antibiotics, but for some, you’ll need to take them a few hours apart from magnesium to prevent problems. Common antibiotics that interact with magnesium include tetracyclines , such as Vibramycin (doxycycline) and Minocin (minocycline), as well as fluoroquinolones like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Gabapentin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Because of drug interactions, using gabapentin with certain medicines is typically not recommended, but may be required in some cases. How should I take gabapentin? Take Gralise tablets with your evening meal. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't chew, break or crush. In a nutshell, to maximize the benefits of gabapentin while minimizing potential harm, you should avoid or limit the following: Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking gabapentin can significantly increase drowsiness and dizziness, the most common side effects of the drug. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with gabapentin. Do not use more than the recommended dose of gabapentin, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects Gabapentin should not be mixed with any other illicit drugs, alcohol, or certain prescription medications like hydrocodone and morphine. If you’re considering taking an over-the-counter medication while on gabapentin, discuss it with your doctor before making a decision. Don't take gabapentin with antacids like Maalox or Gaviscon. Take them at least two hours apart. Always follow your doctor's instructions for taking gabapentin. Taking herbal remedies and supplements that can make you feel dizzy or drowsy while you're taking gabapentin could make these side effects worse. Mixing gabapentin with recreational drugs Gabapentin can intensify the highs of recreational drugs like cannabis and heroin. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with gabapentin. Do not use more than the recommended dose of gabapentin, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects
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