Gabapentin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Gabapentin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This medicine may help with anxiety, pain, and seizures.
- You can give it with food or without food. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, giving it with food may help.
- Do not give it within 2 hours of antacids or together with foods that are very high in calcium.
- If you use a liquid form made for people, check the ingredients to be sure it does not include xylitol (a sweetener). Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.
- Sleepiness and trouble with balance or steady movement are the side effects seen most often.
- Keep it stored safely and not visible.
- Only the animal it was prescribed for may take it.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- A medicine that can reduce seizures, ease pain, and lower anxiety.
- Comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Neurontin
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not listed on the label for:
- Anxiety in dogs and cats
- Pain in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Seizures in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
NOTE: Some liquid forms made for people may include xylitol (a sweetener). Xylitol is poisonous to dogs and must not be used in dogs.
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to similar medicines, such as pregabalin
Use with caution in:
- Animals with kidney disease
- Service animals or working animals
- Animals that are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this Gabapentin for pets medication?
- Give it exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- You may give it with food or without food. Food may help reduce stomach upset.
- Do not give it within 2 hours of oral antacids (including milk of magnesia or aluminum hydroxide). Antacids can lower how much of this medicine your pet’s body takes in.
- Do not give it with foods that contain a lot of calcium, such as cheese or other dairy foods. These foods can lower how much of this medicine your pet’s body takes in.
- If you are giving a liquid form made for people, confirm it does not contain xylitol. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.
- Measure liquid doses with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Wobbly or unsteady movement
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Very heavy sleepiness
How will I know it's working?
- If your pet is taking it for anxiety, your pet may seem calmer within 1 to 2 hours.
- If your pet is taking it for pain, you may notice some improvement within the first days or weeks, but it may take several weeks to reach the strongest effect.
- If your pet is taking it for seizures, it should start to have an effect within the first couple of weeks. It may take several weeks to know how well it is working.
- Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal has reduced kidney or liver function.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs.
- You may need to get more of the medicine (a refill).
- If it is being used for seizures, or if it has been used for a long time, it must be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped all at once.
- Stopping suddenly can lead to seizures, vomiting, or pain.
- Speak with your veterinarian before you stop giving it.
Overdose
- Too much gabapentin can cause sleepiness, unsteady movement, and diarrhea.
- Too much of a liquid product made for people that contains xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can damage the liver.
- If you see or think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee applies):
- If possible, have the product container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep tablets and capsules in the original container at room temperature.
- Keep liquid forms in the refrigerator.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine in the toilet.
- Do not pour it into a sink drain.
Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine to use later and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
Keep out of reach of children and animals.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”