Gabapentin and Orange/Apple
 

Hi. I encountered today in one of my readings that orange and even apple can have interaction with Gabapentin. This is something new to me because all along I thought that only Grapefruit has side effects with most medicines.

How true is this?

Thank you.

Gabapentin is not metabolized by our liver enzymes but is excreted whole by the kidneys. So grapefruit juice or fruit is not significant for it. Some research shows that all citrus can affect drugs that are metabolized by the liver, since small amounts of those enzymes are in the GI tract wall itself.

Where did you read this?

The only thing I know of for gabapentin is magnesium (and perhaps calcium)...used at the same time may complex the gabapentin and prevent its absorption. Gabapentin has poor % absorption to begin with in the GI tract.

Here is Wiki which mentions apple juice:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit

Data on these interactions continues to grow and change.
Lists are always evolving concerning drug metabolism.

I was looking for the site where I read for hours now, but I could not find it...sorry - I am not very good at it. But, its good to know that orange and applies do not interact with Gabapentin because I eat them everyday.

I really want to slowly taper (down) the Gabapentin so I could eventually stop it and just be on the supplements. But, I notice that everytime I missed a dosage, the sensation of pins and needles/prickly skin becomes more intense.

Thank you for your response.

Mary