Neurontin (Gabapentin)
Neurontin Information
Neurontin is generically known as Gabapentin. Gabapentin are chemicals that affect the behavior of nerves that cause seizures and other types of tremors and pain. The exact way how Gabapentin works is unknown.You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using gabapentin suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Neurontin Indications
Neurontin is prescribed for the treatment of seizures and other types of pain. Neurontin is also prescribed along with other drugs for the treatment and management of postherpetic neuralgia, a kind of seizure and nerve pain brought about by herpes virus or shingles.Neurontin may also be used for other purposes aside from the ones mentioned above.
Neurontin Warnings
Neurontin should be given with special care to patients with heart diseases, liver problems and kidney trouble. You should inform your doctor if you have any of the above mentioned medical problems.Neurontin and Pregnancy
Neurontin is categorized as a medicine belonging to the pregnancy category C which means that Neurontin is not established or known to cause harm to the unborn baby. However, before deciding to take Neurontin, you should first deliberate the consequence of undergoing Neurontin therapy with your doctor.
The active ingredient of Neurontin which is Gabapentin passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor first if you are planning to breast milk while on Neurontin medication.
Carry an identification tag to indicate that you are taking Neurontin. It will be handy in cases of emergency.
The taking of Neurontin must be with caution especially when performing tasks that may require mental and physical alertness such as driving or operating machinery. If possible avoid these kinds of activities when on Neurontin medication.
Never cease Neurontin intake abruptly or without first talking to your doctor. Abrupt stopping may cause unwanted side effects to happen.
Neurontin Intake Guidelines
Neurontin or any other drug must be taken exactly as they are instructed by the doctor. If instructions are unclear, verify from a medical authority.Generally, each dose of Neurontin must be taken with a full glass of water of about 6-8 ounces. Neurontin can be taken with or without food.
Correct dosages of Neurontin must be administered. The measurement of each dose must be taken from a dose measuring cup or spoon.
Neurontin Uses
Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Gabapentin may also be used to treat other nerve pain conditions (such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia) and restless legs syndrome.
Neurontin Dosage
The prescribed dose for Neurontin must come from your doctor. Follow the dosage instructions of your doctor. Never determine a dose for you as other factors may still be considered such as severity of medical condition, body weight and others.Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include blurred vision, drowsiness, weakness, slurred speech, or diarrhea.
Neurontin Overdose
The symptoms of Neurontin Overdose include:- Double or distorted vision
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Diarrhea
- Poor hand and eye coordination
- Difficulty in breathing
When these symptoms are present and overdose of Neurontin is suspected, immediately rush emergency medical attention to the overdosed patient.
Neurontin Missed Dose
Never take double doses of Neurontin that is an adamant rule while on Neurontin medication. However, if you missed a dose on that time and promptly remembered it hours before the next dose, you may take one to catch up. But if it is near the time for the next dose, better forego that missed dose and proceed to the next one.Neurontin Side Effects
The most serious side effect for adults taking this medicine is an allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the mouth, lips and tongue as well as hives and the closing of throat.Some its less serious side effects occurring in adults are:
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Irregular back and forth eye movements
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
In children some serious side effects may likely occur such as:
- Emotional instability
- Hostility and aggressive behavior
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Concentration problems
If these side effects occur in children, immediately seek a doctor’s advice.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Neurontin Drug Reactions
Neurontin does not have reported of drug interactions with other common ant seizure drugs. However, Neurontin may interact with the following drugs:Antacids – antacids may cause Neurontin to be not fully absorbed in the stomach. Take either of the antacid or the Neurontin at 30 minutes interval.
Antidepressants, alcohol and other drugs that cause drowsiness – Neurontin may further increase the susceptibility of the patient to succumb to drowsiness and sleepy feeling.
Discuss with your doctor if you are taking other drugs not mentioned above.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon