Gabapentin is commonly prescribed with other medications. It is safe to take gabapentin with other medications, but understanding the possible drug interactions can help you live a healthier life.
Gabapentin, also known by its brand name Neurontin, is a medication that has been used in the United States since the early 1990s. The drug helps manage certain seizure disorders and treat nerve pain. Some of the mostcommon side effects of gabapentininclude drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, headache, and stomach upset.
Gabapentin is a common prescription, and it is often used in combination with other medications. It is safe to take gabapentin and other medications that have been prescribed or ordered by your doctor. However, it is important to keep a complete list of all medications that you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, andprescriptionsand supplements. People should review this list with their health care provider periodically.
Understanding which medications interact with gabapentin and knowing how to take gabapentin safely will help you live a healthier life.
Gabapentin With Opioids
Gabapentin is called a central nervous system (CNS)depressantbecause it slows down some of the functions and processes of the brain.Opioid pain medicationsare also classified as CNS depressants. While it’s common to co-prescribe opioids and gabapentin for nerve pain, the combination has anincreased riskfor sedation, respiratory depression, and abuse.
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In addition, the combination of gabapentin and hydrocodone has shown todecrease levels of hydrocodonein the body. This is very important to remember when adding or removing gabapentin from a medication regimen that includes hydrocodone. Doing so helps to prevent accidental underdose oroverdose of hydrocodone.
Some common combinations of gabapentin and opioids include:
- Gabapentin andtramadol
- Gabapentin andhydrocodone
- Gabapentin andoxycodone
Related Topic:Gabapentin overdose treatment
OTC Medications
Taking gabapentin with OTC medications for allergy relief and pain relief is generally considered to be safe. However, it is always important to check with your doctor or pharmacist about the specific OTC product. Caution should be taken when using OTC medications that would increase the drowsiness side effect of gabapentin. This effect can occur when combining gabapentin and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or gabapentin and Unisom (doxylamine).
Some common combinations of gabapentin and OTC medications for allergy relief and pain relief include:
- Gabapentin and Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Gabapentin and Advil (ibuprofen)
- Gabapentin and Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Gabapentin and Claritin (loratadine)
Reactions With Antacids
Taking gabapentin and antacids that contain magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide causes a reduction in the concentration of gabapentin in the body. When taking these antacids, such as Maalox, it is recommended to take gabapentin at least two hours after taking the antacid. If you have any questions about the interaction between gabapentin and an antacid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Gabapentin and Benzodiazepines
Like gabapentin,benzodiazepinesare classified as CNS depressants and can intensify the drowsiness and dizziness side effects of gabapentin. While it is generally recommended that this combination is avoided, doctors may feel that the combination is necessary for treatment in certain patients.
If you take gabapentin and benzodiazepines, it is very important to avoid taking other products that can further intensify drowsiness or dizziness, such asalcohol. If you have any questions about the interaction between gabapentin and benzodiazepines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some common combinations of gabapentin and benzodiazepines include:
Anticonvulsants
Because gabapentin can be used to help manage certain epilepsy disorders, it is commonly prescribed with other anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin, valproic acid, and phenobarbital. There areno significant interactionswith these antiepileptic medications.
Lyricaand gabapentin are not typically recommended to be taken together because they both mimic the effects of the same chemical in the brain. Lyrica is the brand name for the medication pregabalin, and taking gabapentin with Lyrica is considered a duplication of therapy. If you are taking these medications together, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the combination.
As noted before, gabapentin and benzodiazepines are both classified as CNS depressants, and thecombination can cause an intense sedative effect. Taking gabapentin andValium(diazepam), a benzodiazepine may be necessary for managing seizure disorders in certain patients. If you are taking these medications together, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possible risks and side effects associated with this combination.
Other Interactions With Gabapentin
Gabapentin is generally considered safe to take with most medications. However, if you have any questions regarding the medications that you are taking and the side effects of mixing those medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some common combinations of gabapentin with other medications include:
- Cymbalta and gabapentin:Cymbaltais the brand name for duloxetine and is commonly used in the management ofdepression.
- Gabapentin and Suboxone:Suboxoneis a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is used in the management of opioid dependence.
- Adderall and gabapentin:Adderallis a Schedule II medication that is a combination of differentamphetaminesalts and is used in the management ofADHDandnarcolepsy.
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