Gabapentin Actavis
Gabapentin Actavis is a medicine used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and long-lasting nerve pain caused by nerve damage.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
600 mg
Active Ingredient
Gabapentin
Manufacturer
ratiopharm GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your dose. The usual starting dose for adults is 300-900 mg per day, which is gradually increased.
Method
Take the tablets whole with a glass of water. You can take them with or without food, usually three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening).
Important
The maximum daily dose for adults is 3600 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Viral infections
- •Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, or other infections
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Loss of appetite, increased appetite
- •Aggression towards others, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking clearly
- •Seizures, jerky movements, speech problems, memory loss, tremor, sleeplessness, headache, skin sensitivity (numbness), coordination problems, abnormal eye movements, increased/decreased or absent reflexes
- •Blurred vision, double vision
- •Vertigo
- •High blood pressure, flushing of the face and redness or widened blood vessels
- •Breathing difficulties, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nasal lining
- •Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, gum inflammation, diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, gas
- •Swelling of the face, bruises, skin rash, itching, acne
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- •Erection problems (impotence)
- •Swelling of legs and arms, walking difficulties, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
- •Weight gain
- •Accidental injuries, fractures, abrasions
- •Aggressive behavior and jerky movements (in children)
RARE
- •Agitation (restlessness and involuntary movements)
- •Allergic reactions like hives
- •Decreased movement
- •Palpitations
- •Difficulty swallowing
- •Swelling (e.g., face, upper body, or limbs)
- •Abnormal blood test results suggesting liver problems
- •Decreased mental performance
- •Falls
- •High blood sugar levels (common in diabetics)
- •Low blood sugar levels (common in diabetics)
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Breathing problems, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- •Decreased platelet count (blood cells important for clotting)
- •Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations
- •Abnormal movements such as writhing or stiffening
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- •Acute kidney failure, inability to control urination
- •Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- •Withdrawal symptoms after sudden stop of gabapentin (anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, pain, sweating), chest pain
- •Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- •Changes in blood test results (increased creatine phosphokinase)
- •Sexual dysfunction, including inability to achieve orgasm; delayed ejaculation
- •Low sodium levels in the blood
- •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, throat, and tongue, and low blood pressure requiring immediate treatment
- •Development of dependence on Gabapentin Actavis (drug dependence)
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to gabapentin or any of its ingredients.
- If you have kidney problems or are on hemodialysis, your doctor may adjust your dose or ask you to report certain symptoms like muscle pain.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, as these could be signs of a serious pancreatic issue.
- If you have nervous system or breathing problems, or are over 65, your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, as you may be at higher risk of becoming dependent on this medicine.
Show 6 more warnings
- A small number of people taking gabapentin have had thoughts of harming themselves or suicide. Contact your doctor immediately if you have such thoughts.
- Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any severe skin reactions, such as red patches, blistering, or peeling skin (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or DRESS syndrome).
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle weakness, soreness, or pain, especially with fever or feeling generally unwell, as this could indicate a serious muscle breakdown.
- If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to get pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking this medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
- This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor how to stop treatment gradually.
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)