Drug Interaction Report

Using gabapentin together with ethanol (alcohol) may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with gabapentin. Do not use more than the recommended dose of gabapentin, and avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of gabapentin such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with gabapentin. Do not use more than the recommended dose of gabapentin, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use of excessive dosages, and abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously and for as brief a period as possible. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with these agents. In addition, it may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to such patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of medication should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

CNS stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate; the use of some agents may be contraindicated in patients with severe/uncontrolled hypertension. Caution should be used when administering to patients with preexisting high blood pressure (even mild hypertension) and other cardiovascular conditions. All patients under treatment should be regularly monitored for potential tachycardia and hypertension.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Methylxanthines are known to stimulate peptic acid secretion. Therapy with products containing methylxanthines should be administered with extreme caution in patients with active peptic ulcer disease. Some manufacturers consider their use to be contraindicated under such circumstance.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Gabapentin is primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidney. Therapy with gabapentin should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Dosage adjustments and titration should be made in accordance with product package labeling and individual patient response.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Methylxanthines increase gastric acidity and may also relax lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to gastric reflux into the esophagus. Therapy with products containing methylxanthines should be administered cautiously in patients with significant gastroesophageal reflux.

Gabapentin is removed by hemodialysis and should be administered after dialysis.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

In general, CNS stimulants are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with CNS stimulants should be administered cautiously in patients with moderate to severe liver disease, and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly in certain agents. Additionally, postmarketing reports have shown that atomoxetine can cause severe liver injury; laboratory testing should be done at the first sign/symptom of liver dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine, upper quadrant tenderness) and treatment should be discontinued in patients with evidence of liver injury.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Overall CNS stimulants should be administered with caution in patients with significantly impaired renal function as the reduction in the rate of elimination may alter the therapeutic response. The dosage should be adjusted accordingly in certain agents.

Due to general central nervous system stimulation, therapy with CNS stimulant drugs may cause seizures. These drugs may lower the convulsive threshold in patients with history of seizures, with prior electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities without seizures, and very rarely, without history of seizures and no prior EEG evidence of seizures. Therapy with CNS stimulants should be used with caution in patients with or predisposed to seizures. If seizures occur, therapy should be discontinued.

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.