Neurontin

Neurontin Drug Information

• Neurontin Overview

  Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.

• How to Use Neurontin

  Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking gabapentin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Neurontin by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Neurontin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the Dosage of Neurontin 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 regularly to get the most benefit from it. Neurontin works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take gabapentin at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking Neurontin 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 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 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. Therefore, if you are also taking an antacid, it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking the antacid. Different forms of gabapentin (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.

• Neurontin Precautions

  Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to gabapentin enacarbil; or if you have any other allergies. Neurontin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Neurontin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, breathing problems (such as COPD). Neurontin may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). 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, especially swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, slow/shallow breathing, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Dizziness and loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Neurontin, especially mental/mood/behavior changes (such as hostility, problems concentrating, restlessness). During pregnancy, Neurontin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Gabapentin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Neurontin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Neurontin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take gabapentin 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.

• Neurontin Interactions

  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.orlistat. The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if Neurontin is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). 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 with other medications that contain gabapentin (including gabapentin enacarbil). Neurontin may interfere with certain laboratory tests for urine protein. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Neurontin.

• Neurontin Side Effects

  What are Neurontin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Neurontin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Neurontin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Neurontin

  The side effects of Neurontin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Neurontin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Neurontin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Neurontin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Neurontin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Neurontin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Neurontin and the side effects associated with Neurontin are described in the following:

  Common Neurontin Side Effects

  Severe

  • nystagmus
  • ataxia

  Less Severe

  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • sedation
  • peripheral edema

  Less Frequent Neurontin Side Effects

  Severe

  • mood changes
  • depression
  • hostility
  • memory impairment
  • altered mental status
  • dyspnea

  Less Severe

  • hyperkinesis
  • diplopia
  • blurred vision
  • xerostomia
  • back pain
  • general weakness
  • malaise
  • tremor
  • viral infection
  • weight gain
  • dry throat
  • dysarthria
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • pharyngitis
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • amblyopia
  • acute bacterial otitis media
  • cough

  Rare or Very Rare Neurontin Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • suicidal ideation
  • erythema multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • multiple organ failure
  • anaphylaxis
  • lymphadenopathy
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • hyponatremia
  • angioedema
  • irritability
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • eosinophilia
  • jaundice
  • DRESS syndrome
  • respiratory depression
  • syncope

  Less Severe

  • gynecomastia
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • pain
  • rhinitis
  • dyspepsia
  • libido changes
  • concentration difficulty
  • insomnia
  • anorexia
  • headache disorder
  • hyperhidrosis
  • increased creatine kinase level
  • behavioral disorders
  • hyperglycemia
  • skin rash
  • conjunctivitis
  • fever
  • erectile dysfunction
  • agitation

• Neurontin Storage

  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 Neurontin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.