Neurontin

Uses of Neurotin

Neurontin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called 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 used in adults to treat neuropathic pain (nerve pain) caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).

Neurontin is also used to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not stop using Neurontin suddenly, even if you feel fine.

Gabapentin can cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially if you already have a breathing disorder or if you use other medicines that can make you drowsy or slow your breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you have very slow breathing.

Some people have thoughts about suicide or behavior changes while taking Neurontin. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Children taking Neurontin may have behavior changes. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Seizure control is very important during pregnancy, and having a seizure could harm both mother and baby. Do not start or stop taking Neurontin for seizures without your doctor’s advice, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of gabapentin on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For epilepsy:

• Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) 3 times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day (600 mg 3 times per day).
• Children 3 to 11 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day and divided in 3 doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
• Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For postherpetic neuralgia:

• Adults— At first, 300 milligrams (mg) as a single dose in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness;
• jerky movements;
• headache;
• double vision;
• swelling of your legs and feet;
• tremors;
• trouble speaking;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• problems with balance or eye movements; or
• nausea, vomiting.