Before taking Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg enacarbil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide).
Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet and loss of coordination.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems concentrating, restlessness).
During pregnancy, Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
If you are taking the tablets and your doctor directs you to split the tablet in half, take the other half-tablet at your next scheduled dose. Discard half tablets if not used within several days of splitting them. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole with plenty of water.
It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. During the first few days of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose so your body can adjust to the medication. To minimize side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime.
Take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg regularly to get the most benefit from it. Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg 3 times a day to control seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses because your seizures may increase.
Do not take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
Do not stop taking Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg at least 2 hours after taking the antacid.
Different forms of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg (such as immediate-release, sustained-release, enacarbil sustained-release) are absorbed in the body differently. Do not switch from one form to the other without consulting your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, signs of infection (such as fever, cough, persistent sore throat).
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
A very serious allergic reaction to Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click here to view a more detailed list of Neurontin side effects.
If you miss a dose of Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg 3 times a day to control seizures, do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses because your seizures may increase. Consult your doctor right away if this occurs.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, morphine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Do not use Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg with other medications that contain Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg (including Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg enacarbil).
Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg may interfere with certain laboratory tests for urine protein. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Neurontin (gabapentin) 400mg.