Neurontin

Generic name: Gabapentin

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin is used to treat nerve pain that follows shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. Neurontin is also used in combination with other medications to treat partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients over 12 years of age with epilepsy. Neurontin can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat partial seizures in pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age.

What is the most important information I should know about Neurontin?

If you are taking Neurontin for seizures, do not suddenly stop taking Neurontin. Stopping Neurontin suddenly may bring on a seizure.

Neurontin sometimes leads to central nervous system side effects in children 3-12 years of age. Let your doctor know if you notice any of the following changes in your child's behavior: emotional liability (primarily behavior problems); hostility, including aggressive behaviors; thought disorder, including concentration problems and change in school performance; or restlessness and hyperactivity.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Neurontin; this medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Neurontin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and discuss with your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Who should not take Neurontin?

Do not take Neurontin if you are allergic to the medication or any or its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Neurontin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Neurontin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts, or you have kidney, liver, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

If Neurontin dose is reduced, discontinued, or substituted with an alternative medication, this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week (a longer period may be needed at the discretion of the prescriber).

Pain Following Shingles

Adults: The usual starting dose is a single 300mg dose on the first day, followed by a total 600 mg dose on the second day (taken in two divided doses), and a total 900 mg on the third day (taken in three divided doses). Your doctor may increase your daily dose up to a total 1800 mg given in 3 divided doses.

Epilepsy

Adults and adolescents over age 12: The usual daily dose is between 900 and 1800 milligrams (mg). This dose is taken in divided doses 3 times each day using 300 or 400 mg capsules, or 600 or 800 mg tablets. The time between subsequent doses should not exceed 12 hours. Daily doses of 3600mg have been used and tolerated in clinical trials.

Children 3 to 12 years old: The usual dose is calculated based on weight and age. The starting daily dose should range from 10mg to15mg per kilogram, given in 3 divided doses. The effective daily dose of Neurontin in patients 5 years of age and older is 25mg to 35mg per kilogram given in divided doses (three times a day). The effective daily dose in pediatric patients ages 3 and 4 years is 40mg per kilogram given in divided doses (three times a day). The effective dose should be reached by slowly increasing the dose over a period of approximately 3 days. Daily doses up to 50 mg per kilogram have been well-tolerated in a long-term clinical study. The maximum time interval between doses should not exceed 12 hours.

How should I take Neurontin?

Neurontin is given orally with or without food. Take Neurontin at the same time each day. Take each dose of Neurontin with a full glass of water. If you are also taking antacids, wait 2 hours after taking antacids to then take Neurontin. If you need to break a Neurontin tablet in half, take the unused half-tablet as the next dose or as soon as possible. If you do not use half-tablets within a few days of breaking the full tablet, you should throw them away. You should plan ahead to have a refill on hand in case you run out of Neurontin. Take Neurontin only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medication without first speaking to your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Neurontin?

Do not stop taking Neurontin unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping Neurontin suddenly may bring on a seizure. Your doctor will tell you when and how to stop taking Neurontin. Follow your doctor's directions. The dose will be decreased slowly, over a week or more.

Neurontin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. You should use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, you should avoid these activities.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Neurontin?

If Neurontin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Neurontin with the following: antacids, hydrocodone, morphine, and naproxen.

What are the possible side effects of Neurontin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: back pain, clumsiness, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, failure of muscular coordination, fever, hostility, nausea and/or vomiting, shaking or tremor, sleepiness or tiredness, stomach upset, swelling of hands and feet, viral infection, vision problems, weakness

Can I receive Neurontin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Neurontin during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Neurontin?

If you miss a dose of Neurontin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, just take your regular dose. Do not take more than 1 dose of Neurontin at a time.

How should I store Neurontin?

Store Neurontin Capsules at room temperature. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Neurontin Capsules out of the reach of children.