Gabapentin can interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People should be sure to give a doctor a full list of their current medications and supplements before taking gabapentin.
The results of another 2017 review suggest that the following are some of the main substances that interact with the drug:
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- caffeine, which is present in tea, coffee, and cola
- ethacrynic acid, which is a diuretic
- losartan, which is a medication for high blood pressure
- magnesium oxide, which is a mineral supplement and antacid
- mefloquine, which is an antimalarial drug
- morphine, which is an opioid pain medication
- phenytoin, which is an anti-seizure medication
If gabapentin causes sleepiness, a person should speak with a doctor before taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness, including:
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- antianxiety medications
- antidepressants
- antihistamines
- cold and flu medications
- muscle relaxers
- narcotics, which are pain medications
- sleeping pills
Presence of other health conditions
To ensure that gabapentin is safe to take, a person should tell a doctor if they also currently have or have ever had:
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- diabetes
- dialysis treatment
- drug or alcohol misuse issues
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures (if taking gabapentin for conditions unrelated to seizures)