Gabapentin Actavis
Gabapentin Actavis is a medicine used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and long-lasting pain caused by nerve damage.
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
300 mg
Active Ingredient
Gabapentin
Manufacturer
Actavis Group PTC ehf
How to Use
Dosage
The starting dose is usually 300–900 mg per day. Your doctor may increase the dose up to 3,600 mg per day. For children (6 years and older), the usual dose is 25–35 mg/kg per day.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water. Take them as three separate doses: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Do not chew the capsules.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 3,600 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Viral infections
- •Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Chest infection (pneumonia), respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, ear infection or other infections
- •Low number of white blood cells
- •Loss of appetite, increased appetite
- •Aggression, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking clearly
- •Convulsions or seizures, jerky movements, speech problems, memory loss, tremors, sleep problems, headache, sensitive skin, reduced sensation (numbness), coordination problems, unusual eye movements, stronger, weaker, or absent reflexes
- •Blurred vision, double vision
- •Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- •High blood pressure, red skin or widened blood vessels
- •Breathing problems, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nose
- •Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, inflamed gums, diarrhea, stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, gas (flatulence)
- •Facial swelling, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- •Difficulty getting an erection (impotence)
- •Swelling in legs and arms, difficulty walking, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
- •Weight gain
- •Accidental injury, fracture, abrasion
- •Aggressive behavior and jerky movements (in children)
RARE
- •Agitation (restlessness and involuntary movements)
- •Allergic reaction, such as hives
- •Reduced movement
- •Pounding heart (palpitations)
- •Difficulty swallowing
- •Swelling in face, body, and limbs
- •Abnormal blood tests showing liver problems
- •Mental disorder
- •Falls
- •Increased blood sugar (common in diabetics)
- •Decreased blood sugar (common in diabetics)
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Breathing problems, shallow breathing
- •Low platelet count (cells important for blood clotting), leading to easy bruising or bleeding
- •Hallucinations
- •Abnormal movements like writhing, jerky movements, or stiffness
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- •Sudden kidney failure, inability to control urine
- •Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- •Withdrawal symptoms after stopping treatment, such as anxiety, sleep problems, nausea, pain, sweating, chest pain
- •Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- •Changes in blood test results (increased creatinine phosphokinase)
- •Sexual problems, including inability to achieve orgasm, delayed ejaculation
- •Low sodium levels in the blood
- •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with breathing difficulties, swelling of lips, throat, tongue, and low blood pressure, requiring immediate treatment.
- •Dependence on Gabapentin Actavis
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to gabapentin or any other ingredient in it.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, as your dose may need to be changed.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you get severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, as these could be signs of a serious pancreas problem.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact your doctor immediately.
- Stop taking this medicine and see a doctor right away if you notice severe skin rashes, blisters, or peeling skin (signs of serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or DRESS syndrome).
Show 6 more warnings
- If you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever or feeling unwell, contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a serious muscle problem.
- This medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive or operate machines until you know how it affects you.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking opioid pain medicines (like morphine), as they can increase the effects of Gabapentin Actavis and cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, or even death.
- If you take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, take Gabapentin Actavis at least two hours after the antacid.
- If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor immediately about the risks. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice. Breastfeeding is not recommended.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose over at least one week to avoid withdrawal symptoms like seizures, anxiety, or pain.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Sedative. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. Note especially central nervous system adverse effects. Take the several interactions in the absorption phase into account. (updated 14.4.2025)