What Should you know Before taking Gabapentin
You should not use gabapentin if you are allergic to it.
To make sure gabapentin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- diabetes;
- liver disease;
- a history of depression, mood disorder, drug abuse, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
- heart disease; or
- (for patients with RLS) if you are a day sleeper or work a night shift.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using gabapentin. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Gabapentin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
