General Description: Gabapentin is used as an anticonvulsant and to relieve chronic pain. Gabapentin may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Gabapentin is available in 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg capsules: 600 mg and 800 mg tablets; and oral solution.
What is this drug?
An anticonvulsant
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To control seizures in dogs or cats
To control chronic pain, especially arthritis pain
To control pain associated with surgery
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Pregnant or nursing pets
Use with caution in pets with kidney or liver disease or a blood disorder
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to gabapentin
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
If using the oral solution, shake well before measuring.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. For seizure control, it is usually given three times a day , but for pain control it is usually givenonce a day . Anti-seizure doses are much higher than the doses given for analgesia.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
Gabapentin may be given with or without food.
It may take several days before adequate blood levels will be reached to effectively control seizures. Monitor carefully during this time.
Do not suddenly discontinue giving gabapentin. Check with your veterinarian before stopping this drug.
Record the date, time, severity, length and circumstances of any seizure your pet has. Provide this information to your veterinarian in order to help him/her to best treat your pet.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store capsules and tablets in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Refrigerate the oral suspension.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Drowsiness, loss of balance, limb swelling
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Some laboratory tests are affected by gabapentin
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with narcotics (hydrocodone or morphine)
When treating for chronic pain, gabapentin is often started with other pain relievers. It is often possible to at some point eliminate the other drugs and have the pet remain on just gabapentin.
Do not give oral antacids within 2 hours of giving gabapentin
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, gabapentin should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about gabapentin. If you have any questions or concerns about gabapentin or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
