Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using gabapentin as follows:
- Do not take gabapentin, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of gabapentin or any other medications used to control seizures and nerve pain, such as, Lyrica and Cymbalta. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of gabapentin.
- Gabapentin can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on gabapentin, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with gabapentin. Also, if you have been taking gabapentin for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of gabapentin intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Gabapentin intake can induce dizziness and make one drowsy. 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. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, antidepressant medications, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by gabapentin and so, must be avoided taking along with gabapentin.
