Gabapentin ratiopharm
Gabapentin ratiopharm is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and long-lasting nerve pain.
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
300 mg
Active Ingredient
Gabapentin
Manufacturer
ratiopharm GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will usually start you on 300-900 mg per day and gradually increase it. For children 6 years and older with epilepsy, the dose is 25-35 mg/kg/day, calculated by weight.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water. Take your daily dose spread over three times: morning, afternoon, and evening.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 3600 mg, divided into three doses.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Virus infection
- •Drowsiness, dizziness, uncoordinated movements
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Lung infection, respiratory infections, urinary infections, ear infection or other infections
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Loss of appetite, increased appetite
- •Hostility, confusion, mood swings, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking
- •Convulsions, jerky movements, speech difficulties, memory loss, tremors, insomnia, headache, skin sensitivity, reduced sensation (numbness), coordination problems, abnormal eye movements, increased/decreased or absent reflexes
- •Blurred vision, double vision
- •Vertigo
- •High blood pressure, flushing or widening of blood vessels
- •Breathing difficulties, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nasal membranes
- •Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, inflamed gums, diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
- •Facial swelling, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- •Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- •Swelling of legs and arms, difficulty walking, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
- •Weight gain
- •Accidents, fractures, abrasions
- •Aggressive behavior (in children)
- •Jerky movements (in children)
RARE
- •Agitation (a state of constant restlessness and involuntary, meaningless movements)
- •Allergic reactions, such as hives
- •Reduced movement
- •Palpitations
- •Difficulty swallowing
- •Swelling (may affect face, upper body and limbs)
- •Abnormal blood test results indicating liver problems
- •Decreased mental performance
- •Falls
- •Increased blood sugar levels (mainly in diabetics)
- •Decreased blood sugar levels (mainly in diabetics)
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Breathing difficulties, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- •Decreased platelet count (blood cells important for clotting)
- •Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations
- •Abnormal movements, such as writhing or jerky movements and stiffness
- •Ringing in the ears
- •Yellow skin and whites of eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- •Acute kidney failure, incontinence
- •Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- •Side effects after suddenly stopping gabapentin (anxiety, insomnia, 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 blood
- •Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction with difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, throat, tongue, low blood pressure needing immediate treatment)
- •Development of dependence on Gabapentin ratiopharm (drug dependence)
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to gabapentin or any other ingredients listed in section 6.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, as these could be signs of acute pancreatitis.
- If you have nerve problems, breathing issues, or are over 65, your doctor might give you a different dose. Seek immediate medical help if you have severe breathing difficulties.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever abused alcohol, prescription medicines, or drugs, as you may be at a higher risk of becoming dependent on Gabapentin ratiopharm.
Show 4 more warnings
- A small number of people taking anti-epileptic medicines, including gabapentin, have had thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide. If you have these thoughts, contact your doctor right away.
- Stop taking this medicine and see a doctor immediately if you notice any severe skin reactions, such as red target-like spots, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes (these could be signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or DRESS).
- Muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain, especially with a general feeling of being unwell or high fever, can be signs of abnormal muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can be life-threatening and lead to kidney problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- Contact your doctor right away if you have swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, or hives, fever, or swollen glands, as these can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
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)