Gabapentin can interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People should be sure to give a doctor a full list of their current medications and supplements before taking gabapentin.
The results of another 2017 review suggest that the following are some of the main substances that interact with the drug:
-
- caffeine, which is present in tea, coffee, and cola
- ethacrynic acid, which is a diuretic
- losartan, which is a medication for high blood pressure
- magnesium oxide, which is a mineral supplement and antacid
- mefloquine, which is an antimalarial drug
- morphine, which is an opioid pain medication
- phenytoin, which is an anti-seizure medication
If gabapentin causes sleepiness, a person should speak with a doctor before taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness, including:
-
- antianxiety medications
- antidepressants
- antihistamines
- cold and flu medications
- muscle relaxers
- narcotics, which are pain medications
- sleeping pills
Presence of other health conditions
To ensure that gabapentin is safe to take, a person should tell a doctor if they also currently have or have ever had:
-
- diabetes
- dialysis treatment
- drug or alcohol misuse issues
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures (if taking gabapentin for conditions unrelated to seizures)
Gabapentin oral capsule can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
Below is a list of medications that can interact with gabapentin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Opioids
When used with gabapentin, opioids can cause dangerous effects in the body. Some examples of these drugs include morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.
Taking gabapentin with an opioid increases your risk for severe sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Stomach acid drugs
When used with gabapentin, certain drugs used to treat stomach acid problems can reduce the amount of gabapentin in your body. This can make it less effective. Taking gabapentin 2 hours after taking these drugs can help prevent this problem. Examples of these drugs include:
- aluminum hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxide
The gabapentin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using gabapentin to treat
- your age
- the form of gabapentin you take
- other medical conditions you may have
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.
