Drug Name

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Drug Uses

Neurontin is used for treating seizures associated with epilepsy. It may also be used for treating nerve pain associated with herpes zoster (shingles) infection (postherpetic neuralgia). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Neurontin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Neurontin by mouth with or without food.

Do not take an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before you take Neurontin.

Do not suddenly stop taking Neurontin. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Neurontin or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Neurontin is an anticonvulsant. The exact way that it works to prevent seizures and nerve pain is unknown.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zyvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Neurontin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Neurontin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Neurontin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems and are on dialysis
• if you have a history of mental or mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Neurontin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any medicines, especially any of the following:

• Morphine because it may increase the risk of Neurontin's side effects, including drowsiness

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Back pain; changes in vision (double or blurred vision); clumsiness; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; aggressive behavior; back and forth eye movements; behavioral problems; change in school performance; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hyperactivity; loss of coordination; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, hostility, mood swings); numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; restlessness; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; speech changes; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; tremor; trouble concentrating; twitching.

More Information

If you have any questions about Neurontin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Neurontin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.