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Brand Name: Neurontin
Generic Name: Gabapentin
(ga' ba pen tin)
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Why is neurontin prescribed?
Neurontin (Gabapentin) is used in adults to treat certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy.
It is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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How should neurontin be used properly?
Gabapentin (Neurontin) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken three times a day. To minimize side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime. Then take this medication at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night to ensure a constant level of gabapentin in your body. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gabapentin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take gabapentin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
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What special precautions should I follow when using neurontin?
Before taking gabapentin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gabapentin or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, cimetidine (Tagamet), oral contraceptives, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gabapentin, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gabapentin.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of neurontin?
You should take the missed dose of neurontin just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can neurontin cause?
Although side effects from gabapentin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- irregular eye movements
- blurred vision
- drowsiness
- headache
- anxiety
- fatigue
- tremor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- irregular, pounding, or fast heartbeat
- difficulty moving or breathing
- flu-like symptoms
- clumsiness
- skin rash
- seizures
- itching
- fever
» topWhat storage conditions are needed for neurontin?
Always keep the neurontin in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or an neurontin overdose?
In case of an neurontin overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
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What other information should I know about neurontin?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to gabapentin.
Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.
Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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