{"id":59008,"date":"2023-06-23T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T13:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59008"},"modified":"2026-02-09T20:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T01:43:10","slug":"what-to-avoid-with-gabapentin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-to-avoid-with-gabapentin\/","title":{"rendered":"What to avoid when taking gabapentin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gabapentin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia from <\/span>shingles<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>partial seizures due to epilepsy<\/span><\/a>, and moderate to severe <\/span>restless legs syndrome<\/span><\/a> (RLS).<\/span><\/p>\n

The anticonvulsant medication was originally developed as a muscle relaxer and anti-spasmodic agent, but it has become increasingly popular as a treatment for many conditions. Healthcare providers frequently prescribe gabapentin <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>relieve other kinds of nerve pain<\/span> (including nerve pain due to diabetes), as well as to treat a wide range of <\/span>other conditions<\/span>, including anxiety, resistant depression and mood disorders, hot flashes, insomnia, post-operative pain relief, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>migraine<\/span>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>If you\u2019re prescribed gabapentin (also known by its brand names <\/span>Neurontin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Gralise, <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>Horizant<\/span><\/a>), it\u2019s essential that you review the drug information and know how to use it safely. Read on to learn more about potential drug interactions and what to avoid when taking gabapentin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Gabapentin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tGabapentin 300 mg (90 Capsules)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.98\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.98\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Gabapentin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

How gabapentin works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gabapentin works by acting on neurotransmitters\u2014chemicals produced by the nerve cells in your brain\u2014and changing how those nerve cells communicate with each other. It reduces the excitability of nerve cells in the brain. Experts also believe it <\/span>blocks pain signals<\/span><\/a> for certain conditions in your nervous system, like nerve damage or pain caused by a shingles infection or diabetes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you start taking gabapentin, <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> indicates that you\u2019ll likely experience some benefits within the first week. However, it can take up to a month to experience significant improvement in your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 things to avoid while taking gabapentin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gabapentin can be helpful for so many conditions. Still, like every medicine, it can also <\/span>cause some common side effects<\/span><\/a>, most commonly dizziness and sleepiness, but also tremors, drowsiness, weakness, dehydration, trouble with movements, and weight gain, among others. However, it is also possible to experience some gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although not all of these side effects of gabapentin can be mitigated, it\u2019s important to know about interactions with the medication to avoid any adverse reactions. Here are six things that should be avoided while taking gabapentin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Alcohol\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to opt for mocktails instead of cocktails when taking this medication as <\/span>alcohol does not mix well with gabapentin<\/span><\/a>. The combination will increase dizziness and sleepiness. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlcohol is a central nervous system depressant and impairs a person\u2019s cognitive function, processing speed, mobility, and gait,\u201d says Kobi Nathan, Pharm.D., founder of <\/span>Geriatric Academy<\/span><\/a> in Rochester, New York. \u201cGabapentin does most of these things as well. So drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin will result in additive or synergistic impairment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Central nervous system depressants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Gapabentin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, so it can be a dangerous combination to take it with another CNS depressant, such as oxycodone, Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), or Ambien (zolpidem).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2019, <\/span>the FDA announced it was requiring new warnings<\/span><\/a> on gabapentanoids (which includes gabapentin) about the risk of severe respiratory distress, which could lead to death, when combining the medication with opioid drugs or other CNS depressants. Older people and those with existing respiratory issues (such as asthma or COPD) have a higher risk of respiratory complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other medications have potential <\/span>interactions with gabapentin<\/span><\/a> as well. For your safety, it\u2019s important to let your healthcare provider know every medicine you\u2019re taking, including any recreational drug use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Some vitamins and supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you tell your provider about medications you take, don\u2019t leave out vitamins and supplements. While gabapentin doesn\u2019t have any known vitamin interactions, being deficient in\u2014or having too much\u2014of a particular vitamin sometimes resembles a condition that might warrant using gabapentin. For example, B6 and B12 deficiencies can cause nerve damage and neuropathy. Knowing what you are taking will help your provider diagnose and prescribe you properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are taking gabapentin for epilepsy, you should avoid ginkgo biloba. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin, which is found in ginkgo biloba, <\/span>can cause seizures<\/span><\/a>. Thus, it\u2019s possible that taking ginkgo could reduce the anticonvulsive effects of gabapentin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Antacids<\/span><\/h3>\n

It may be tempting to pop an antacid to counteract heartburn or an upset stomach when it arises. However, <\/span>antacids can reduce the effectiveness of your gabapentin<\/span><\/a> by not allowing the body to absorb as much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to take an aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids like Maalox or Mylanta, <\/span>wait at least two hours<\/span><\/a> before you take your next dose of gabapentin. \u201cThis way, the mineral has been absorbed before the gabapentin hits the circulation,\u201d Dr. Nathan says. Or, ask your healthcare provider if you should try another type of medication for heartburn, such as Nexium (esomeprazole).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Dehydration<\/span><\/h3>\n

You should be purposeful about drinking plenty of water, as gabapentin can sometimes cause mild dehydration or dry mouth as possible side effects, according to <\/span>Josh Lichtman<\/span><\/a>, DO, a psychiatrist and medical director at Neuro Wellness Spa in Los Angeles. It\u2019s important to note this possibility and try to drink throughout the day. Peeing less often and dark pee that smells strong are signs of dehydration to look out for. Becoming dehydrated can cause its own set of problems while on gabapentin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>7 health benefits of drinking water<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

6. Caffeine<\/span><\/h3>\n

While <\/span>some animal studies<\/span><\/a> have indicated that excessive caffeine intake could lower gabapentin\u2019s ability to prevent seizures, caffeine and gabapentin are not contraindicated with normal use. Just be sure let your healthcare provider know if you drink excessive amounts of coffee, tea, or energy drinks or are sensitive to caffeine.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to be mindful that excessive caffeine consumption may make you feel anxious or make it harder to sleep, which is particularly relevant if you\u2019re taking gabapentin for anxiety or sleep-related conditions, cautions Dr. Lichtman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t