Everything You Need to Know About Neurontin (Gabapentin) (2023)

Neurontin is a medicine used to treat seizures in adults and children with certain types of epilepsy. It belongs to a category calledanticonvulsants.

It works by reducing the chance of seizures in the brain and also helps reduce pain. Neurontin is also available asgeneric drugIt is sold under the name gabapentin. Available as a tablet or oral solution.

The purpose of neurons

Neurontin is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:

• epileptic seizures: This medicine is used to reduce the occurrence of seizures in epileptic children and adults. It can be taken with other anticonvulsant drugs. However, this medicine does not cure epilepsy and only helps with seizures while you are taking it.
• postherpetic neuralgia: Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition that causes persistent nerve pain in people with shingles. It particularly affects the elderly. Neurontin is also used to treat this type of nerve pain.
  

A 2015 systematic review concluded that further research is needed to better understand the role of gabapentin in the treatment of mental health disorders.

Before you take Neurontin

Before taking this medicine, you should carefully read the list of active drugs and medicinesInactive ingredientsConsult your doctor to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. There is not much data on the effects of neurotonin in pregnancy, so its use is generally avoided if possible. One study found some evidence of an increased risk of heart defects associated with gabapentin exposure in early pregnancy.

It is good practice to tell your doctor about all medicines you may be taking while you are pregnant.

You should also tell your doctor if you have a history of:

• liver disease
• Diabetes
• melancholic
• heart disease
• Lung disease
• epileptic seizures
• drug addiction

Precautions and contraindications

Studies have shown that Neurontin can cause respiratory depression in COPD patients and the elderly.If you experience difficulty breathing while using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Some reported an increaseSuicidal Thoughts and Behaviorwhile using these types of drugs. Tell your doctor if you notice sudden changes in mood and behavior or if you have thoughts of suicide.

Other types of gabapentin

Gralise and Horizant are two other brand-name drugs that contain gabapentin as an active ingredient.

• Glaris: Gralise, not yet marketed in the United States, is indicated for the treatment of postherpetic nerve pain.
• horizon: Horizant is FDA-approved for the treatment of nerve pain and restless legs syndrome. This medicine is best taken with food later in the day for effective results.

neuronal dose

Your doctor will likely take several things into consideration when deciding on a Neurontin dosage. They will consider the severity of your condition, other medications you may be taking and your tolerability (how well a patient can handle the side effects of a particular treatment)Medicine.

However, the manufacturer also recommends the following doses for these conditions:

• epileptic seizures: The starting dose is 300 mg on the first day, 300 mg twice a day on the second day, and 300 mg three times a day on the third day. This is followed by a maintenance dose of 300 to 600 mg 3 times a day, depending on individual drug tolerance. The maximum daily dose is 3,600 mg, which is spread over the course of the day (ie, the 1,200 mg dose is taken at three points in the day).
• nerve pain: Regarding epilepsy, the starting dose is 300 mg on the first day, 300 mg twice a day on the second day and 300 mg three times a day on the third day. However, the maximum dose in this case is 1,800 mg (that is, the patient can take three doses of 600 mg in one day).

Review

Neurontin is not intended for use in children under three years of age. For children, the starting dose is 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight. Patients may be directed to take a dose of 10 or 15 mg at three different times of the day (morning, afternoon and evening).

How to get and save

You can take Neurontin with a meal or on its own. Swallow any tablet you take whole without chewing or crushing it.

In many cases, Neurontin is prescribed to be taken 3 times a day. You should not take all three doses at the same time or at the same time. Try to take the first dose in the morning, the second in the afternoon and the final dose at bedtime.

neural side effects

Some people may experience side effects while using Neurontin, most are mild and go away over time. In rare cases, these side effects can be worse or worse. If you experience any prolonged or intolerable side effects while using this medication, you should consult your doctor.

Common

Some common but mild side effects you may experience while using this medication include:

• Insomnia
• worry
• mood swings
• Headache
• Dizziness
• tired
• nausea and vomiting in children

serious

In rare cases, you may experience more serious side effects such as:

• more frequent seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• excessive fatigue
• Confused
• extremely sleepy
  

Neuron alerts and interactions

This medicine can causedrowsinessand taking alcohol with this medicine may make this side effect worse. If you are planning any type of surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are currently taking Neurontin.

This medicine can also make you lose coordination and slow down your reactions. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of this medicine on you are monitored.

If your child is taking Neurontin, watch for changes in mood and behavior. They may experience sudden mood swings, become more active, or have trouble concentrating.

Neurontin may interact adversely with other medications. It is important to give your doctor a complete list of any other medications, vitamins, and supplements you may be taking with this medication to prevent side effects.

In rare cases, Neurontin may be stopped suddenlycause withdrawal symptomsExamples include tremors, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal problems.