Neurontin Medical Information

• Neurontin uses
• Neurontin dosage
• Neurontin side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Common Brand Names: Neurontin

Generic Name: Gabapentin

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Common Medical Uses:
Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. Gabapentin is used with other drugs to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it. This medicine is also used to manage a postherpetic neuralgia (pain after “shingles”).

How to Use Gabapentin:
Take Gabapentin exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose of medication with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking Gabapentin without talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. If you are taking Gabapentin for seizures, do not stop taking even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking the medication to prevent seizures from recurring.

Gabapentin Possible Side Effects:
Although side effects from Gabapentin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• blurred vision
• anxiety
• irregular eye movements

Some side effects can be serious. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Gabapentin and call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash, itching
• difficulty moving or breathing
• irregular, pounding, or fast heartbeat
• seizures
  

May occur in children:

• fever
• hyperactivity
• mood changes or changes in behavior
• difficulty concentrating

Gabapentin Warnings & Precautions:

• Don't take if: you are allergic to gabapentin
• Before taking Gabapentin, tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:
• if you have a kidney disease
• Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how this medication affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
  Danger increases if you drinc alcohol or take other medication affecting alertness and reflexes such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medications, barbiturates, other medicines for seizures
• Pregnancy: Risk category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• Breast feeding: Gabapentin is secreted into human milk. Because the effect on the nursing infant is unknown, this medication should be used in women who are nursing only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
• Discontinuing: Do not stop taking gabapentin without first checking with your doctor. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Gabapentin:

• Antacids - lower blood levels of gabapentin may occur; allow at least 2 hours between th drugs

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if several hours have passed and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication to catch up.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms: double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea

See also:

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Price for Medication Neurontin 300 mg, 400 mg