Who can and cannot take gabapentin

Most adults and children aged 6 years and over can take gabapentin. It's sometimes prescribed for younger children by a specialist doctor.

Gabapentin is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any other medicine
• have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine
• are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant
• are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well – gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it
• have a condition that affects lungs and airways, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma