Why is this drug prescribed?
Neurontin, an epilepsy medication, is used with other medications to treat partial seizures (the type in which symptoms are limited). It may be prescribed whether or not the seizures eventually become general and result in loss of consciousness.
Most important fact about this drug
Take Neurontin exactly as directed by your doctor. To effectively control your seizures, it is important that you take Neurontin 3 times a day, approximately every 8 hours. You should not go longer than 12 hours without a dose of medication.
How should you take this medication?
Do not increase or decrease dosage of this medication without your doctor's approval; and do not suddenly stop taking it, as this may cause an increase in the frequency of your seizures. If you are taking an antacid such as Maalox, take Neurontin at least 2 hours after the antacid.
You may take Neurontin with or without food.
If you miss a dose
Try not to allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses. Do not double doses.
Storage Instructions
Store capsules and tablets at room temperature. Keep the oral solution refrigerated.
What Side Effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because Neurontin is used with other antiseizure drugs, it may not be possible to determine whether a side effect is due to Neurontin alone. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Neurontin.
More common side effects may include:
- blurred, dimmed, or double vision
- bronchitis (in children)
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- fever (in children)
- involuntary eye movement
- itchy
- runny nose
- lack of muscular coordination
- nausea
- tremor
- viral infection (in children)
- vomiting
- weight increase (in children)
Less common or rare side effects may include:
- abnormal coordination
- abnormal dreams
- abnormal thinking
- agitation
- allergy
- altered reflexes
- anemia
- angina pectoris (crushing chest pain)
- anxiety
- apathy
- arthritis
- back pain
- behavioral or psychological problems
- bladder problems
- bleeding gums
- bloody stools
- bruising
- cataracts
- chill
- conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
- constipation
- cough
- cysts
- decreased sensitivity to touch
- dehydration
- depression
- difficult or labored breathing
- dry eyes
- dry mouth or throat
- dry or scaly skin
- ear problems
- exaggerated feeling of well-being
- excessive body hair
- eye pain or disorder
- fainting feeling
- high fever
- blisters on lips and mouth
- fluid retention
- fracture
- gas
- general feeling of illness
- hair loss
- hallucination
- headache
- heart murmur
- heartburn
- hemorrhoids
- hepatitis
- high blood pressure
- hoarseness
- hostility
- hyperactivity
- increased appetite
- increased salivation
- increased sweating
- indigestion
- inflammation of the mouth, gums, or tongue
- inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining
- irregular heartbeat
- itching
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- liver enlargement
- loss of appetite
- loss of bowel control
- loss of memory
- low blood pressure
- menstrual problems
- migraines
- mononucleosis
- mouth sores
- muscle pain or weakness
- nervousness
- nosebleeds
- paralysis
- pneumonia
- respiratory infections
- sexual problems
- shortness of breath
- skin disorders
- sleepwalking
- sore throat
- speech difficulties
- stupor
- swelling of the face
- taste loss
- tendinitis
- thirst
- tingling or pins and needles
- twitching
- unstable emotions
- vaginal hemorrhage
- vertigo
- weight increase or decrease
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
You should not take Neurontin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Special warnings about this medication
Neurontin causes some people to become drowsy and less alert. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain Neurontin does not have this effect on you.
In children, Neurontin occasionally triggers behavioral problems such as unstable emotions, hostility, aggression, hyperactivity, and lack of concentration. However, such problems (if they occur) are usually mild.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or are on hemodialysis, as your doctor will need to adjust your dosage of Neurontin.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Neurontin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Neurontin with antacids such as Maalox.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Neurontin on pregnant women have not been adequately studied, although birth defects have occurred in babies whose mothers took an antiepileptic medication while they were pregnant. The drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. This medication may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. It should be used by mothers who nurse their babies only if its benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Recommended Dosage
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OVER
The recommended starting dose is 300 milligrams three times a day. After that, the usual daily dosage ranges from 900 to 1,800 milligrams divided into 3 doses.
If Neurontin is discontinued or another drug is added to therapy, your doctor will do this gradually, over a 1-week period.
CHILDREN 3 TO 12 YEARS OF AGE
Daily dosage is calculated according to the child's weight. The usual starting dosage is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds. Dosage is then increased over a period of three days to 40 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for children aged 3 and 4, and 25 to 35 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for children aged 5 and over. The total daily dosage is taken as 3 smaller doses throughout the day.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Neurontin overdose may include:
- diarrhea
- double vision
- drowsiness
- lethargy
- slurred speech
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