Unexpected Twists and Turns in the Gabapentin Journey

19. The Interaction Nobody Thinks About—Gabapentin and Antacids

Many people take antacids without a second thought, but few realize that they can interfere with gabapentin absorption, making the medication less effective. Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum—common ingredients in over-the-counter heartburn and indigestion medications—can bind with gabapentin in the stomach, preventing it from being properly absorbed into the bloodstream. This interaction doesn’t mean patients should avoid antacids entirely, but timing is crucial. Doctors generally recommend waiting at least two hours between taking an antacid and gabapentin to ensure the medication can be fully absorbed and work as intended.

20. The Gabapentin Mystery—Still More to Discover

Despite being on the market since 1993, gabapentin remains a medical mystery in many ways. While it is FDA-approved for seizures and nerve pain, doctors continue to prescribe it for a growing number of off-label conditions, from anxiety and migraines to chronic itching and alcohol withdrawal. Yet, researchers still don’t fully understand exactly how gabapentin works. Unlike traditional anticonvulsants or pain medications, gabapentin doesn’t directly affect neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine. Instead, it targets calcium channels in nerve cells, but the full scope of its effects on the brain and body isn’t completely understood. This has led to ongoing research exploring new potential uses, risks, and benefits of gabapentin.