امرأة عمرها ٧٢ سنة عندها ألم عصبي حارق في جانب الصدر بعد الهربس النطاقي قبل ٣ أشهر، بدأت غابابنتين وتُرفع الجرعة تدريجياً. تعيش وحدها وتقود سيارتها للسوق. أي أثر جانبي يُعلَّم عنه؟

A 72-year-old woman with burning nerve pain on the side of her chest 3 months after shingles has started gabapentin with gradual dose increases. She lives alone and drives to the shops. Which side effect should be taught?

1. Drowsiness and dizziness; care with driving
2. Breast enlargement in most men taking it
3. Blue-coloured urine
4. An intense craving for salt

Answer: A) Drowsiness and dizziness; care with driving. Gabapentin and pregabalin cause drowsiness, dizziness and unsteadiness, especially early and in older adults, and can depress breathing with opioids. They are not stopped abruptly.