Gabapentin enacarbil extended-release tablets (Horizant)
Gabapentin enacarbil extended-release tablets (Horizant)
What is this medicine?
GABAPENTIN (GA ba pen tin) is used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome and certain types of nerve pain.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
suicidal thoughts, mood changes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
nausea, vomiting
swelling of ankles, feet, hands
tiredness
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
certain medicines for stomach problems
general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
narcotic medicines for pain
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep this medicine dry and away from moisture.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
history of drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem
kidney disease
lung or breathing disease
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.
Alcohol may interfere with the effects of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Updated:  
December 25, 2019