Neurontin
Gabapentin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Neurontin
Neurontin belongs to anticonvulsant group of medicines. The exact mechanism of action of Neurontin is not clear.
Therapeutic Uses of Neurontin
Neurontin is used in the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy. It can also be used in the treatment of nerve pain (neurotic pain) associated with herpes zoster or shingles infection (post herpetic neuralgia). Neurontin can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Neurontin
Take Neurontin as per direction of your doctor. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions and follow then strictly. Neurontin is taken orally with food or without food. You should not take any antacid that contain aluminum or magnesium 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Neurontin. Never stop Neurontin suddenly as it may precipitate seizures of epilepsy. If you need to stop Neurontin or add a new drug your doctor will do it gradually.
If You Miss a Dose of Neurontin
If you miss a dose of Neurontin, take it as soon as possible or as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next regular dose than skip the missed dose and keep taking Neurontin as regular dosing. Do not take 2 doses to make up the missed dose.
How to Store Neurontin
Neurontin should ideally be stored at 77 degree Fahrenheit or 25 degree Centigrade and away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store Neurontin in your bathrooms. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
More Information About Neurontin
Neurontin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If you have any question about Neurontin, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider to clear your doubt.
If you symptoms are not improving after taking v, you should discuss with your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Neurontin
Do not use Neurontin if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor right away:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Neurontin.
Some of the medical conditions may interact with Neurontin. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any of the following medical conditions that may interact with Neurontin:
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any food, any medicine or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine or non prescription medicine (over the counter medicine), any herbal preparation or any diet supplement.
- If you are on dialysis due to some serious kidney problem.
- If you have any psychiatric problem like mental or mood problem, suicidal thought or suicidal attempts.
Some medications may cause interaction with Neurontin. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Neurontin. The following medicines can interact with Neurontin:
- Morphine can interact with Neurontin by increasing side effects of Neurontin like drowsiness.
Possible Adverse Effects of Neurontin
Like any other medicine Neurontin can cause some side effects. Some of the side effects are mild and common but some of the side effects are uncommon and can be serious. The following are the common and mild side effects and you should consult your doctor if these minor and common side effects become bothersome or persistent:
- Nausea, diarrhea, mild vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, back ache, dry mouth, tiredness, stomach upset, changes in vision like diplopia (double vision) or blurring of vision etc. are common and mild side effects of Neurontin.
If you experience any serious side effects of Neurontin, you should consult your doctor immediately. The following are the serious and uncommon side effects of Neurontin:
- Allergic (may be severe) reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); mental or mood changes (like hostility, mood swings etc.); suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts, abnormal thoughts, aggressive behavior, behavioral problems, hyperactivity; loss of coordination, memory loss, trouble concentrating, change in school performance; confusion, back and forth eye movements, chest pain, fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; severe headache or severe dizziness; shortness of breath; difficulty in speech; fever, chills, sore throat; numbness of an arm or a leg, swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; tremor, twitching, one sided weakness, restlessness etc. are serious and uncommon side effects of Neurontin.