Neurontin (gabapentin)

Brand Names

Neurontin (gabapentin), Anticonvulsant

What is Neurontin (gabapentin)

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-epileptic medication. It is also called as 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 also used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).

Side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin)

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effects such as:

• increased seizures;
• fever, swollen glands, body aches, symptoms of flu;
• skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes);
• chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;
• confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;
• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• rapid back and forth movement of your eyes.

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;
• acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Indication

This prescription medication is approved for use with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures and can be used to treat nerve pain that occurs after an outbreak of shingles (called post herpetic neuralgia).

Precautions

Before taking Neurontin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to gabapentin 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 this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide).

This drug 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.

Dosage forms

The dosage of Neurontin (gabapentin) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• Your age and weight
• The medical condition being treated
• Other medications you may be taking
• Other medical conditions you may have

Epilepsy

The recommended starting dosage of Neurontin for controlling partial seizures in adults and adolescents over 12 years old is Neurontin 300 mg three times daily. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dose, up to a maximum of 800 mg three times daily, until your seizures are under control.

For children ages 3 to 12 years old, your child's healthcare provider will calculate the correct dosage based on your child's weight. Your child's healthcare provider may increase this dose as necessary for seizure control. For example, as your child grows, dosage increases may be necessary.

When treating post herpetic neuralgia (chronic nerve pain following an episode of shingles), the recommended starting amount is Neurontin 300 mg taken once on the first day, Neurontin 300 mg taken twice daily on the second day, and Neurontin 300 mg taken three times daily on the third day. In order to control your pain, your healthcare provider may further increase your dose as necessary.