Neurontin (Gabapentin)

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-epileptic medicine. It is also called anticonvulsant.

What is Neurontin used for?

Neurontin is used with other medications to control and treat seizures caused by epilepsy in children (12 years of age and older) and adults. It is also used with other drugs to treat partial seizures in children between 3 to 12 years of age. The drug helps in relieving nerve pain associated with shingles or herpes virus (in adults).

How does Neurontin work?

Neurontin works by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that are responsible for causing certain types of pain or seizures.

How to use Neurontin

Neurontin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. It is advisable to take the medicine during bedtime in order to minimize the side effects associated with the drug. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you take one half of a tablet, take the other half at your next dose. While taking the liquid form of the medicine, do not measure it with a regular spoon. Measure it with a special dose-measuring cup or spoon.

If you take some kind of antacids, it is advisable to keep a gap of at least 2 hours after taking an antacid and before you take Neurontin.

Neurontin warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to gabapentin.  Prior to taking Neurontin, tell your doctor if you are suffering from a kidney, liver, or heart disease. 

While using Neurontin, avoid performing activities that require alertness.

Pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors as the drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. Neurontin can pass into breast milk and might harm a nursing baby. Hence, lactating women should not use this drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Neurontin dose?

If you have missed your Neurontin dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Neurontin overdose?

If you have taken a Neurontin overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Neurontin interactions

Before taking Neurontin, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Vicoprofen), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox). Such drugs can interact with Neurontin.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Neurontin side effects

Neurontin side effects include hives, swollen glands, fever, painful sores in or around eyes or mouth, breathing trouble, swelling, behavior or mood changes, anxiety, depression, restlessness, hyperactivity and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Neurontin, contact your doctor right away.

Increased seizures, confusion, swelling of ankles or feet, fever, chills, rapid back and forth movement of eyes, tremor, easy bruising, body ache, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, runny or stuffy nose, mild skin rash, sore throat, and insomnia are also side effects from Neurontin.

[Memory problems, changes in behavior, restlessness, aggressiveness, and concentration troubles are side effects that are more likely in children.]