Neurontin Side Effects

While most people have no problems when taking Neurontin, it is possible for side effects to occur. Common ones include dizziness, problems with coordination, shakiness, and drowsiness. Side effects are typically minor and easily treated. If you develop serious side effects of Neurontin, however, such as depression or significant problems with coordination that do not improve with time, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Neurontin Medication Information

An Introduction to Neurontin Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Neurontin^® (gabapentin); however, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Neurontin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Neurontin side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Neurontin

Neurontin has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the drug. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, the most common side effects of Neurontin included:

Dizziness -- in up to 28 percent of people
Drowsiness -- up to 21.4 percent
Coordination problems -- up to 12.5 percent
Infections -- up to 10.9 percent
Fever -- up to 10.1 percent
Nausea or vomiting -- up to 8.4 percent
Swelling or fluid retention in the legs, feet, arms, or hands -- up to 8.3 percent
Unusual eye movements -- up to 8.3 percent.

Other common side effects, occurring in 1 to 7 percent of people, included:

Shakiness (tremor)
Double vision or blurred vision
Weakness or fatigue
Diarrhea or constipation
Dry mouth (see Neurontin and Dry Mouth)
Increased appetite or weight gain (see Neurontin and Weight Gain)
Bronchitis
Accidental injury
Sore throat
Hyperactivity (in children)
Changes in thinking (such as difficulty concentrating)
Nervousness
Speech problems
Memory loss (amnesia)
Indigestion or heartburn
Gas
Back pain
Problems walking
Twitching
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Conjunctivitis ("pink eye")
Ear infection
Flushing or hot flashes.

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