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Neurontin

Introduction

Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.

Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early...

Neurontin

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Neurontin Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Gabarone, Neurontin

Generic Name: gabapentin (Pronunciation: GA ba PEN tin)

What is gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Gabapentin 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.

Gabapentin 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. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.

Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).

Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gabapentin 100 mg Cap-IVA

white, imprinted with Logo 4381, 100 mg

Gabapentin 100 mg-APO

white, imprinted with APO, 112

Gabapentin 100 mg-GRE

white, imprinted with G, 5026

Gabapentin 100 mg-TEV

gray, imprinted with 93 38

Gabapentin 300 mg Cap-IVA

white/yellow, imprinted with Logo 4382, 300 mg

Gabapentin 300 mg-APO

white/yellow, imprinted with APO, 113

Gabapentin 300 mg-GRE

yellow, imprinted with G, 5027

Gabapentin 300 mg-TEV

orange, imprinted with 93 39

Gabapentin 400 mg Cap-IVA

orange/white, imprinted with Logo 4383, 400 mg

Gabapentin 400 mg-APO

orange/white, imprinted with APO, 114

Gabapentin 400 mg-GRE

orange, imprinted with G, 5028

Gabapentin 400 mg-TEV

brown, imprinted with 93 40

Gabapentin 600 mg Tab-IVA

oval, white, imprinted with Logo 4443, 600

Gabapentin 600 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, GAB 600

Gabapentin 600 mg-GRE

elliptical, white, imprinted with G 21

Gabapentin 800 mg Tab-IVA

oval, white, imprinted with Logo 4444, 800

Gabapentin 800 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, GAB 800

Gabapentin 800 mg-GRE

elliptical, white, imprinted with G 22

Neurontin 100 mg

white, imprinted with Neurontin 100 mg, PD

Neurontin 300 mg

yellow, imprinted with Neurontin 300 mg, PD

Neurontin 400 mg

orange, imprinted with Neurontin 400 mg, PD

Neurontin 600 mg

oval, white, imprinted with NEURONTIN 600

Neurontin 800 mg

oval, white, imprinted with NEURONTIN 800

What are the possible side effects of gabapentin (Neurontin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • increased seizures;
  • fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
  • swelling of your ankles or feet;
  • confusion;
  • rapid back and forth movement of your eyes;
  • tremor; or
  • easy bruising.

Some side effects are more likely in children taking gabapentin. Contact your doctor if the child taking this medication has any of the following side effects:

  • changes in behavior;
  • memory problems;
  • trouble concentrating; or
  • acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;
  • lack of coordination;
  • blurred vision;
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
  • diarrhea, constipation;
  • dry mouth;
  • runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
  • headache;
  • sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or
  • acne, mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about gabapentin (Neurontin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.

Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. 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 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.

Related Drug Centers

Neurontin - User Reviews

Neurontin User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Neurontin sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Epilepsy

Find tips and treatments to control seizures.