Horizant: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Horizant is used to treat moderate to severe restless legs syndrome. It is also used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (a painful rash caused by a herpes zoster infection). The main ingredient in Horizant is Gabapentin allowcarbil which is changed by your body into gabapentin. Gabapentin belongs to the class of antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs.

Horizant is indicated in the following cases:
Nerve pain after shingles Complementary medicine for the treatment of epilepsy Restless leg syndrome, extreme discomfort in the calf muscles when sitting or lying down. Neuropathic pain Horizant is contraindicated in cases of:
Suicidal thoughts Depression Myasthenia gravis Decreased lung function Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic kidney disease stage 3A, stage 3B, stage 4, stage 5. Kidney disease with the potential to decrease kidney function.

Carefully read the medication instructions provided by your doctor before you start taking Horizant and each time you are refilled. If you have any questions about how to use Horizant, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The dose of Horizant is calculated based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For Restless Legs Syndrome: Horizant is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food at about 5 pm. This dosing schedule is for people who are awake during the day and sleeping at night. If you need to sleep during the day and stay awake at night, talk to your doctor about how long to use Horizant. For Shingles Neuralgia: Take Horizant by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food for a few days, then twice a day with food. Swallow this medication whole, do not crush or chew the delayed-release tablet. Doing so may release all of Horizant at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also do not split the extended-release tablets unless they have an index mark and your doctor tells you to do so. Take Horizant regularly to get the most benefit from it. To avoid forgetting to take your medication, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use Horizant more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster when you do, but will also increase your risk of side effects. Do not stop taking Horizant without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may get worse when this medicine is stopped suddenly. Different forms of gabapentin (such as immediate release, sustained release, sustained release) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to another without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after using Horizant.

When using Horizant, you may feel drowsy, dizzy, lose coordination, or have blurred vision. If any of these Horizant side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Horizant because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Horizant and no serious side effects occur.
A small number of people taking Horizant for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, or mental problems other. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/carers notice any unusual or sudden changes in your mood, thoughts or behavior, including signs depression, suicidal thoughts, thoughts about harming yourself.
Get medical help right away if your breathing is slow/shallow, this is a very serious side effect of Horizant.
A very serious allergic reaction to Horizant is very rare. But if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Horizant, including: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness severe face, difficulty breathing, get medical help right away.
Below are Horizant side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Horizant include:
nystagmus Loss of muscle coordination Drowsiness Produces an easy euphoria. Dizziness Low Energy Retention of water in hands and feet. Less common side effects of Horizant include:
Mood swings Depression Feelings of hostility Memory loss Mental status changes Difficulty breathing Viral infections Blurry eyes Double vision Bacterial middle ear infections Inflammation Throat Dry mouth Constipation Back pain Muscle tremor Weight gain Dry throat Emotional disorders Cough Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Irritability Rare side effects of Horizant include:
Low blood sodium levels Leukocytosis eosinophils in the blood Confusion Suicidal thoughts Drug addiction Decreased lung function Pemphigus bullae Erythema multiforme Stevens-Johnson syndrome Rhabdomyolysis Fainting Swollen lymph nodes Abnormal liver function tests Anaphylaxis Angioedema Drug hypersensitivity reaction Irritability Yellow eyes or jaundice Multi-organ failure DRESS syndrome Changes in sexual preferences Agitation Behavior problems Red eyes Nasal congestion and runny nose Indigestion No able to get an erection Enlarged breasts Difficulty concentrating Difficulty sleeping Fever Excessive sweating Pain Skin rash Decreased appetite Headaches High blood sugar Increased levels of Creatine Kinase Emotions anxiety This is not a complete list of possible side effects of Horizant. If you notice other effects of Horizant not listed above, contact your doctor.

Before taking Horizant, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine; or gabapentin and any other allergies if present. Horizant products may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Horizant, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, suicidal thoughts), use / drug/alcohol abuse, breathing problems (such as COPD).
Horizant may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness or clear vision while using Horizant, until you can do so safely.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Horizant.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Horizant, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, slow/shallow breathing, dizziness or loss of muscle coordination.
Women in pregnancy, should only use Horizant when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits of Horizant with your doctor.
Gabapentin passes into breast milk, so women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using Horizant.

Drug interactions can change the way Horizant works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Horizant, without your doctor's approval.
Drugs that may interact with Horizant are: Orlistat.
The risk of serious side effects may be increased if Horizant is taken with other products that can also cause drowsiness or breathing problems.
Tell your doctor if you are using other products such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as hydrocodone, codeine), alcohol, marijuana, sleeping or anti-anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Do not use Horizant with other drugs containing gabapentin.
Horizant may interfere with some tests for protein in the urine. Make sure laboratory staff and all your doctors know you are using Horizant.

If you or someone else has overdosed on Horizant and has serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911. Horizant overdose symptoms may include: Severe drowsiness and dizziness face.
For Restless Legs Syndrome: If you miss a dose of Horizant, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Horizant at the usual time the next day, do not double the usual dose.
For Shingles Nerve Pain: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Horizant at the usual time, do not double the dose.

Store Horizant at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store medicine in the bathroom. Keep Horizant in the bottle that came with it and keep the container tightly closed. Do not open the moisture control packets inside the bottle, keep the medicine away from children and pets.
Dispose of Horizant medicine appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com