Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking gabapentin as follows:
- Gabapentin use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, light-headedness, and sleep. Do not take gabapentin with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by gabapentin, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by gabapentin and so, must be avoided taking along with gabapentin. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side-effects caused by gabapentin intake.
- Gabapentin use, especially in individuals with compromised renal function, can sometimes result in progression of renal damage. Individuals can present with compromised renal function, reduced urine formation, and increased retention of fluid, with edema and weight gain due to fluid retention. Individuals can also present with severe nausea and vomiting and altered levels of consciousness, secondary to reduced excretion in urine and increased accumulation of waste metabolites in the body. Report any of these symptoms, suggesting deteriorating renal function, to your physician for any appropriate measures to be considered. Observe compliance with periodical labs ordered for monitoring of renal functions.
