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In this Article

• What is gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• What are the possible side effects of gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• How should I take gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Neurontin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Neurontin)?
• What should I avoid while taking gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• What other drugs will affect gabapentin (Neurontin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gabapentin (Neurontin)?

You should not use this medication 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 this medication.

• 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 gabapentin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Gabapentin 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.

How should I take gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.

If you break a tablet and take one half of it, 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.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Gabapentin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using gabapentin.

Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking gabapentin 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 gabapentin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use gabapentin regularly for best seizure control. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store gabapentin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.