Brand Name

Neurontin {Pfizer}

Generic Name

gabapentin, pronounced GA ba PEN tin

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin is an anti-epileptic (anticonvulsant) medication used to treat adults and children with epilepsy and seizures by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that can lead to seizures.

Adults with nerve pain that is caused by shingles are also prescribed Neurontin for pain relief.

Neurontin may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Neurontin

Neurontin may be used alone or along with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults and children who are 12 years of age or older.

Children who are between 3 and 12 years old may be prescribed Neurontin to treat partial seizures, along with other medications.

Taking Neurontin may cause you to have thoughts about suicide, or mood changes like anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity (mental or physical). You should tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these conditions, or if your seizures worsen.

You should not stop taking Neurontin for seizures or epilepsy without talking to your doctor, even if you think you are better. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause you to have further seizures. Tell your doctor if you want to stop taking Neurontin and he or she will gradually taper you off of this medication

You should have a medical ID card or wear a medical ID bracelet to let others know that you are taking Neurontin. Be sure to let any doctor or dentist know that you are taking Neurontin.

Neurontin is in pregnancy category C, which means that we do not know if Neurontin will harm an unborn baby. Neurontin can pass into breast milk, so you should not breast-feed while taking Neurontin.

Before You Take Neurontin

If you are allergic to gabapentin you should not take Neurontin.

If you have a history of heart attack, stroke or heart disease you should tell your doctor before taking Neurontin.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding you should not take Neurontin.

Be sure that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor while you are taking Neurontin, and tell your family to be alert to any behavior changes you may have. If you have any concerns about your history of depression or mood disorders talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Neurontin.

You should avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Neurontin, because antacids may make it harder for your body to properly absorb Neurontin.

Be aware that Neurontin may cause blurred vision and cause your reaction time to be impaired. Take care to have someone with you when you are driving and first start taking Neurontin, until you know how you will react to this medication.

Neurontin Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen)
• morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph)
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Neurontin. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Neurontin

You should take Neurontin exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Neurontin in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

You can take Neurontin with or without food.

If you break a tablet and take one half of it, you should take the other half at your next dose, or as soon as possible. You should use the remaning tablet within three days.

If you are taking liquid Neurontin you must use a special dose-measuring spoon or cup. Do not use a not a regular table spoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device.

Neurontin may cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Be sure that you tell any doctor or laboratory that you are taking Neurontin.

Neurontin liquid medication should be stored in the refrigerator, and never in the freezer.

Neurontin tablets should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Neurontin you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

Neurontin Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Neurontin and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• chest pain
• confusion or memory loss
• cough that is new or worsening
• easy bleeding or bruising
• fever
• flu like symptoms and body aches
• increased seizure activity
• irregular heart rhythm
• jaundice or yellowing of your skin
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• rapid back and forth movement of your eyes
• skin rash, tingling or numbness
• swelling with rapid weight gain
• swollen glands
• muscle weakness
• upper stomach pain
• urine which is extremely dark
• urinating less than usual or not at all

The following side effects are more likely to occur in children who are being treated with Neurontin. Call your doctor immediately if your child experiences any of the following adverse effects of Neurontin:

• behavior changes, including aggression and restlessness
• memory problems
• trouble concentrating

Less serious side effects of Neurontin for adults and children may include:

• blurred vision
• breast swelling
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• exhaustion
• headache
• loss of balance or coordination problems
• nausea
• weakness

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Neurontin.
You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Neurontin Description and Dosing

Neurontin is available in capsules, tablets and oral solution.

In the U.S. Neurontin is offered in the following dosages:

100 mg capsules, which are white hard gelatin capsules printed with “PD” on one side and “Neurontin/100 mg” on the other side.

300 mg capsules, which are yellow hard gelatin capsules printed with “PD” on one side and “Neurontin/300 mg” on the other side.

400 mg capsules, which are orange hard gelatin capsules printed with “PD” on one side and “Neurontin/400 mg” on the other side.

600 mg tablets, which are white elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “16” on one side.

800 mg tablets which are white elliptical film-coated scored tablets debossed with “NT” and “26” on one side.

Oral solution 250 mg/5 mL which is clear colorless to slightly yellow.

Dosing of Neurontin is individualized based on individual patient needs. Your doctor will tell you what the appropriate dose of Neurontin is for you.

All people taking Neurontin should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Neurontin you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Neurontin

The main ingredient in Neurontin is gabapentin. Other inactive ingredients include:

Capsules- lactose, cornstarch, and talc. The 100 mg capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide. The 300 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. The 400 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. The imprinting ink contains FD&C Blue No. 2 and titanium dioxide.

Tablets-poloxamer 407, copolyvidonum, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, candelilla wax, and purified water.

Oral solution-glycerin, xylitol, purified water, and artificial cool strawberry anise flavor.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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