Neurontin

Generic Name: gabapentin (GA ba PEN tin)

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.

Neurontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Neurontin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.

Neurontin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles.

Important information about Neurontin

You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin.

Before taking Neurontin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Neurontin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking Neurontin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Neurontin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Neurontin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Neurontin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Before taking Neurontin

You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Neurontin.

kidney disease;

liver disease; or

heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Neurontin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Neurontin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Neurontin?

Take Neurontin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Neurontin can be taken with or without food.

If you break a tablet and take one half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Neurontin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Neurontin.

Do not stop taking Neurontin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Neurontin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Neurontin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Neurontin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use Neurontin regularly for best seizure control. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Neurontin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include blurred vision, drowsiness, weakness, slurred speech, or diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Neurontin?

Neurontin can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Neurontin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Neurontin.

Neurontin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Neurontin: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased seizures;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

swelling of your ankles or feet;

confusion;

rapid back and forth movement of your eyes;

tremor; or

easy bruising.

Some side effects are more likely in children taking Neurontin. Contact your doctor if the child taking this medication has any of the following side effects:

changes in behavior;

memory problems;

trouble concentrating; or

acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Less serious Neurontin side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;

lack of coordination;

blurred vision;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

diarrhea, constipation;

dry mouth;

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

headache;

sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or

acne, mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Neurontin?

The following drugs can interact with Neurontin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, and others);

morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others); or

naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Neurontin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.