Drug Name

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Drug Uses

Neurontin is used for treating seizure disorders and herpes zoster (shingles).

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. During the first few days, 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. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore it is best to take gabapentin at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Do not take this medication 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 be increased. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions such as seizures may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interfere with the absorption of this medication. Therefore it is best to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking an antacid.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Neurontin is in the class of drugs called anticonvulsants because they are used to treat seizures (epilepsy) and herpes zoster (shingles). Neurontin is related to the brain chemical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) but exactly how it works is unknown.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use 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.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Neurontin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages as they may worsen these effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially swollen arms/legs or loss of coordination. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the mental/mood changes (e.g., hostility). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Neurontin passes into breast milk. Because the effects of this drug on the nursing infant are unknown, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, fatigue, vision changes, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: tremor or shaking, swollen arms/legs. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: loss of coordination, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat/fever/cough, unusual bleeding/bruising, pain/redness of arms or legs, chest pain, trouble breathing, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, hearing loss, stomach/abdominal pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others.