Gabapentin

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Gabapentin is most commonly used in veterinary medicine to relieve chronic pain and in some pets, to reduce fear and anxiety associated with veterinary appointments. Gabapentin may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Gabapentin is available as capsules, tablets and as an oral solution.

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

• Is considered an anticonvulsant in human medicine but primarily used as an analgesic in veterinary medicine 
• Given by mouth 

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• May be used to managechronic pain, especially pain associated with arthritis and pain associated with the nervous system (neuropathic pain) 
• May be given before or after surgery to manage post-operativepain 
• May be given prior to a veterinary appointment to reduce stress and fear associated with handling 
• May be used as an adjunct treatment to control seizures in dogs or cats 

WHAT DOGS/CATS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?

• This medication should be used with caution in pets with kidney or liver disease 
• Use with caution in working dogs (military/police/seeing eye/hearing, etc.) as too much sedation may impede their ability to work and learn 
• Safe use has not been established in pregnant or nursing pets 
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication 

• Read and follow the prescription label carefully. Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.  

• Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. The length of use, frequency of administration and expected improvement is dependent upon your pet’s diagnosis, clinical response and initial reason for use. Dose adjustments or changes to the dosage schedule are often based upon an assessment of how your pet is responding clinically. 

• Baseline blood work may be recommended to assess your pet’s general health before starting this drug. 

• Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food. If your pet experiences digestive upset following medication administration, try offering with a small amount of food or a treat. 

• If using the oral solution, shake well before measuring. Avoid use of the human Gabapentin solution as it contains Xylitol which is harmful to pets. 

• It may take several days before adequate blood levels to be reached to effectively control both seizures and pain. Monitor carefully during this time. Do not suddenly discontinue giving Gabapentin. Check with your veterinarian before stopping this drug. If Gabapentin is discontinued or not given as directed, your pet’s pain or underlying seizure activity may return. 

• With regards to seizures: 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. 

• This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours. Improvement in clinical signs should follow. 

• Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily. Call ahead for refills.