Neurontin
® (
gabapentin) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
- Epilepsy -- Neurontin is approved to be used along with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children as young as three years old.
- Shingles nerve pain -- Neurontin is also approved to treat the chronic nerve pain that often occurs after an outbreak of shingles (known medically as postherpetic neuralgia).
It is made by Pfizer, Inc.
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 it affects certain
calcium channels in the brain, and this may be how it works for seizures and nerve pain.
Several studies have looked at the effects of this medication on treating seizures and nerve pain.
Neurontin for Nerve Pain After Shingles
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Neurontin for treating nerve pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. People who took the drug experienced less pain compared to those not taking it. In one study, as many as 34 percent of people taking it reported having half as much pain (or less), compared to just 14 percent of a similar group of people not taking it.
Neurontin for Epilepsy
The medication was also studied as a treatment for partial
seizures in people with
epilepsy. These studies included people who were already taking other
seizure medications and whose seizures were not adequately controlled. In one study, up to 23 percent of people who added Neurontin to their seizure medications experienced seizures half as frequently as before, compared to just 9 percent of a similar group of people who did not take the drug.
When and How to Take Neurontin
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- It comes in capsule and tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to three times daily.
- For people with difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, a liquid form (called Neurontin solution) is also available.
- The medication can be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Neurontin will not work if you stop taking it.
- Do not stop taking it without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Neurontin Withdrawal).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Coordination problems.
(Click Neurontin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects of the drug:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Neurontin?
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Coordination problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooping eyelids
- Drowsiness
- Double vision
- Slurred speech
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the medication in an airtight container.
Keep Neurontin and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Neurontin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
This drug is available in the following strengths and forms:
Is There a Generic Version of Neurontin?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of the medication are licensed for sale
(see Generic Neurontin).
