Neurontin
Neurontin
Generic Name: gabapentin (GA ba PEN tin)
Brand Names: Gabarone, Neurontin
What is Neurontin?
Neurontin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Neurontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Neurontin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Neurontin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles.
Important information about Neurontin
You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin.
Before taking Neurontin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Neurontin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking Neurontin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Neurontin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Neurontin.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Neurontin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Before taking Neurontin
You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Neurontin.
* kidney disease;
* liver disease; or
* heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Neurontin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Neurontin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What other drugs will affect Neurontin?
The following drugs can interact with Neurontin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
* hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, and others);
* morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others); or
* naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, and others).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Neurontin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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