Could I take Gabapentin If I have kidney disease?

Dear Ask The Doctor: My obgyn prescribed gabapentin for me. I have IGA nepropathy, is it safe for my kidneys to take the medecine?

Dear Maila: Gabapentin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and must be monitored carefully if you have a kidney disease due to concerns of drug accumulation and toxicity. The side effects of gabapentin include drowsiness, nausea and swelling of the feet and hands.