Gabapentin
(gab-ah-pen-tin)

• Description: Anticonvulsant/Nerve Pain Reliever
• Other Names forthis Medication: Neurontin®
• Common Dosage Forms: Veterinary: None. Compounded smaller sized capsules and a xylitol-free oral liquid may be available.

Key Information:

May be given with or without food. If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Do not give gabapentin within 2 hours of receiving antacids. Drowsiness and loss of coordination are the most common side effects. Caution if using an oral liquid made for humans. Be sure the formulation you give your dog is xylitol-free, as the sweetener xylitol is toxic to dogs.

How is this medication useful?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic (pain reliever) drug. Veterinarians may prescribe gabapentin for seizures (convulsions) in dogs and cats or to treat chronic pain associated with nerve inflammation or cancer in dogs, cats, and horses.

• The FDA has approved this drug for use in humans, but it is not officially approved for use in animals.
• The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations.

You and your
veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?

This medication should help your animal feel better within 1 to 2 hours. Your animal’s clinical signs should improve after that time. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours, although the benefits may be prolonged if your animal has decreased kidney and/or liver function.

What are the side effects ofthis medication?

Common but not serious side effects include:

• Tiredness (lack of energy) Loss of coordination.

You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem.

Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

How should this medication be given?

For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. It’s a good idea to always check the prescription label to be sure you are giving the drug correctly. May be given with or without food, but gabapentin is most effective when itis given right before feeding.

Tablets may be crushed or placed in a favorite food to encourage your animal to take the medication.

If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Compounded liquid forms of this medication must be measured carefully.

Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help by providing special measuring spoons or syringes. If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to help dosing and reducing the stress of medication time. If you want to stop giving the medication before the prescription is completed, first contact your veterinarian. There may be an important reason to continue giving the medication until it’s gone. When gabapentin is used for seizures, it should be gradually withdrawn or seizures can occur.

If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.