Neurontin
® (
gabapentin) is a prescription medication used for treating partial
seizures in people with
epilepsy. It is also approved to treat the chronic nerve pain that often occurs after an outbreak of
shingles.
Neurontin comes in tablet and capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to three times daily. For people who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, an oral solution of Neurontin is also available. You should never stop taking this medication without your healthcare provider's approval, as stopping Neurontin too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
It is not known exactly how Neurontin works for nerve pain. In addition, it is not known exactly how the drug works to prevent partial
seizures in people with epilepsy. It is known that Neurontin affects certain
calcium channels in the brain, and this may be how it works for seizures and nerve pain.
(Click Neurontin to learn more about the effects of Neurontin, to find out what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting treatment, and to learn about the potential side effects of this medication.)
