Frequently asked questions for Gabapentin + Nortriptyline
Gabapentin + Nortriptyline
Q. What is Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
Gabapentin+Nortriptyline is a combination of two medicines: Gabapentin and Nortriptyline. This medicine is useful in the treatment of nerve pain (Neuropathic pain). It calms the damaged or overactive nerves by acting on the brain. Thereby, it decreases the pain sensation.Q. Can I stop taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline when my pain is relieved?
No, you should not stop taking $nmae even if your pain is relieved. Continue to take it as advised by your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleeping difficulties, nausea, pain and sweating. You may need to gradually taper the dose before you stop the medication completely.Q. Can the use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline cause sleepiness or drowsiness?
Yes, Gabapentin+Nortriptyline may make you feel drowsy or may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities. You might not even feel drowsy or have any other warning signs before you suddenly fall asleep. Avoid driving a car, operating machinery, working at heights or participating in potentially dangerous activities at the beginning of your treatment until you know how the medication affects you. Inform your doctor if you experience such episodes while you are taking this medicine.Q. Will Gabapentin+Nortriptyline be more effective if taken more than recommended dose?
No, taking a higher than the recommended dose may not be more effective, rather it may increase the chances of having some serious side effects and toxicity. If you experience increased severity of your symptoms that are not relieved by the recommended doses, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.Q. How to manage weight gain associated with the use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
Gabapentin+Nortriptyline can make you feel hungry which might make you eat more, thereby increasing your chances of putting on weight. However, preventing weight gain is easier than losing the increased weight. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes (per-meal intake). Do not eat food items that contain a lot of calories, such as soft drinks, oily food, chips, cakes, biscuits, and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals avoid eating junk food and eat fruits, vegetables and low-calorie foods. Regular exercise will help prevent weight gain. If you maintain good eating habits and exercise regularly, you might not gain any weight.Q. Can the use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline affect my sexual life?
The use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline can affect the sexual life of both men and women. Most commonly observed problems are decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (inability to develop or maintain erection during the sexual activity) and inability to reach orgasm. It can also cause a decrease in satisfaction and cause discomfort while intercourse. If you experience these problems, discuss them with your doctor but do not stop taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline.Q. Are there any serious side effects associated with the use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
Serious side effects because of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline are uncommon and rare. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: changes in body temperature, difficulty in breathing, increased heartbeat (palpitations), weakness, unsteadiness when walking, reduced coordination or slowed reactions, unusual changes in mood or behavior (such as restlessness, nervousness or excitement), signs of depression, seeing or hearing things that are not there, irrational thinking, blurred or double vision, uncontrollable jerky eye movements, difficulty seeing, signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These side effects are uncommon but may be serious and need urgent medical attention.Q. How long will the Gabapentin+Nortriptyline take to act?
An initial benefit with Gabapentin+Nortriptyline may be seen after 2 weeks of treatment. However, it may take around 2-3 months to see full benefit. It may even take longer in some patients.Q. What if I forget to take Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
If you forget to take the scheduled dose of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed because this may increase the risk of unwanted side effect due to overdosage. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor about taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline.Q. What if I take too much of this drug by mistake?
In a situation like this, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency help at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. Overdose of this medicine may make you feel drowsy, weak, unsteady when walking, have double visions, slurred speech or diarrhea, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, body temperature changes (low and high), difficulty in breathing and increased heartbeat.Q. Is there anything I need to avoid while taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
Gabapentin+Nortriptyline may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful while driving or while doing any activity that requires you to be alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Gabapentin+Nortriptyline. It can increase the effects of alcohol which could be dangerous. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact with this medicine and cause unwanted side effects. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Use of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline can make you more prone to sunburns. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors during daytime.Q. How often should I see the doctor?
You may need to see your doctor regularly if you have started to take Gabapentin+Nortriptyline. However, you must consult your doctor if the advised dosage of Gabapentin+Nortriptyline does not improve your symptoms or you continue experiencing unwanted side effects that affect your routine activities.Q. What are the storage condition for Gabapentin+Nortriptyline?
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Store them in a cool dry place. Store them out of sight and out of reach of children. Unused medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them.