Gabapentin Actavis
Gabapentin Actavis is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and long-lasting nerve pain (peripheral neuropathic pain).
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
400 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 gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 3600 mg per day.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water. Do not chew them. Take your daily dose in three separate parts: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.
Important
Maximum 3600 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Virus infections
- •Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Pneumonia, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, ear infection or other infections
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Loss of appetite, increased appetite
- •Hostility, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking
- •Convulsions, twitching movements, speech difficulties, memory loss, tremor, sleep difficulties, headache, skin tenderness, numbness, coordination difficulties, unusual eye movements, increased, weakened or absent reflexes
- •Blurred vision, double vision
- •Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- •High blood pressure, flushing or blood vessel dilation
- •Breathing difficulties, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nasal mucous membranes
- •Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, gingivitis (gum inflammation), diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
- •Swelling of face, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- •Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- •Swelling of legs and arms, walking difficulties, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
- •Decrease in white blood cell count, weight gain
- •Accidental injury, fracture, abrasion
- •Aggressive behavior and twitching movements (reported in children)
RARE
- •Agitation (restlessness, involuntary movements)
- •Allergic reaction, such as hives
- •Decreased movement
- •Palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat)
- •Difficulty swallowing
- •Swelling (face, body, limbs)
- •Abnormal liver blood test results
- •Impaired mental performance
- •Falls
- •Increased blood sugar levels (mostly in diabetics)
- •Decreased blood sugar levels (mostly in diabetics)
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Breathing difficulties, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- •Decreased platelets (cells important for blood clotting), which can lead to unusual bruising or bleeding in the skin
- •Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations
- •Abnormal movements such as writhing, twitching, and stiffness
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- •Acute kidney failure, incontinence
- •Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- •Withdrawal effects after stopping gabapentin (anxiety, sleep problems, nausea, pain, sweating), chest pain
- •Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- •Changes in blood test results (increased creatine phosphokinase levels)
- •Sexual dysfunction including inability to achieve orgasm, delayed ejaculation
- •Decreased sodium level in the blood
- •Anaphylactic reaction (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction with breathing difficulties, swelling of lips, throat, and tongue, and low blood pressure)
- •Development of dependence on Gabapentin Actavis (drug dependence)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to gabapentin or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- If you are on hemodialysis, tell your doctor if you experience muscle pain and/or weakness.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, as these may be signs of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
- If you have neurological disorders, respiratory problems, or are over 65 years old, your doctor may adjust your dose.
Show 7 more warnings
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of alcohol, prescription drug, or illicit drug abuse or dependence, as you may be at a higher risk of developing dependence on Gabapentin Actavis.
- A small number of people treated with medicines like gabapentin have had thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide. If you have such thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
- Stop using Gabapentin Actavis and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any severe skin reactions, such as red target-like spots, skin peeling, or a large rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS).
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain, especially with feeling unwell or high fever, as these may be signs of severe muscle damage leading to kidney problems.
- Gabapentin Actavis can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (lactose), contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately about the risks to your unborn baby. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Gabapentin Actavis.
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)