What is Neurontin?
Neurontin (Gabapentin) is designed in order to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adult patients with epilepsy
Neurontin Information
Neurontin is designed in order to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adult patients with epilepsy. This medicine may also be prescribed to ease some types of nerve pain, or for other disorders of the nervous system.
Gabapentin has to be taken orally. Swallow capsules with water. You may take this medicine with milk or food in order to prevent a stomach irritation.
If your health care specialist advices you to break the 600 or 800 mg pill and take just a part of it, you should use the other part of the pill for your next dose. Throw away any unused part of the pill if you haven't used it within 3 days.
Neurontin (Gabapentin) is prescribed for treating seizure disorders and nerve damages owing to herpes zoster, such as postherpetic neuralgia and shingles. This generic drug may be used individually or along with other medicines to cure seizures owing to epilepsy in adults as well as children above the age of 12. In addition, the prescription drug is also used in combination with other drugs to cure partial seizures in children between three and 12 years. This prescription drug also has many non-approved uses, including treating headaches, hiccups, alcohol withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal, hyperhidrosis (abnormally excessive sweating), diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia (chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body), hot flashes and restless leg disorder
The typical daily dosage of Neurontin (Gabapentin) for treating postherpetic neuralgia is 1800 mg taken in three equal parts. Initially, the daily dose of this generic drug is 300 mg and it is increased after several days to stabilize at the normal dosage. To treat seizures, the daily dose of this prescription drug is around 900 mg to 1800 mg taken thrice in equal proportions. If you break a Neurontin (Gabapentin) tablet and take one half of it, you must take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days. If you are taking the liquid form of this generic drug, measure it with a special dose measuring spoon or cup that is available at the drug store pharmacy. This generic drug may be taken with and without food. Normally, the withdrawal of treatment with Neurontin (Gabapentin) begins gradually over a week. This generic drug should be taken precisely as instructed by the physician. Never stop taking the medication for seizures without consulting your physician, even if you are feeling better.
Neurontin Safety Information
Before you buy Neurontin (Gabapentin) or desire to use this generic drug to treat epilepsy, it is essential to tell your physician if you have allergic reactions to any substance. Also tell the physician about your entire medical history, especially kidney problems. Use of this generic drug may make the patient feel drowsy or dizzy and hence they should not engage in activities such as driving or using machines. In addition, patients need to cut down on their consumption of alcoholic drinks when taking this prescription drug as it may worsen the side effects. Elderly people taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) should exercise greater caution as they are more sensitive to the effects of this prescription drug that may cause swelling arms and legs as well as lack of muscle coordination. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should use this generic drug when it is absolutely necessary. It is advisable that people using such generic drugs always carry an identity card stating that they are taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) as this will enable people to help them in case of sudden seizures outside their homes.
Neurontin Side Effects
The most common side effects of taking the generic drug Neurontin (Gabapentin) include exhaustion, fluid retention, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hostility and ataxia or loss of muscle coordination. In addition, usage of this prescription drug may also result in anorexia, hypertension, joint pain, bruising, motion sickness and pneumonia. Children taking this generic drug may experience changes in behavior, memory problems, trouble in concentrating or acting restless, hostile or aggressive. Use of antiepileptic generic drugs has been linked with enhanced risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Hence, anyone considering the use of this generic drug ought to balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need. In fact, patients who are taking this prescription drug should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.
Certain prescription drugs interact with Neurontin (Gabapentin) and so they cannot be taken in combination. For instance, antacids lower the intensity of this generic drug in blood and, hence, Neurontin (Gabapentin) should be taken more than two hours after taking any antacid. On the other hand, morphine considerably enhances blood concentration of this prescription drug and possibly can also enhance the adverse events related to the central nervous system on taking the generic drug.