Neurontin also known as gabapentin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of epilepsy. This drug enables the person afflicted with the disease to handle mild seizures better. It is used for treatment of neuropathic pain which affects the nervous system.

Uses of Neurontin

 

It is the only FDA approved oral medication for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia or PHN which is a pain that usually lingers from one to three months after curing shingles. Results from clinical studies showed that the drug can greatly reduce the pain of the person suffering from PHN. At some level, it is also used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and some severe forms of medication-resistant depression. It is also used for prevention of migraine. It is also used to relieve pain caused by herpes Zoster after it has been treated.

 

Neurontin Directions

 

Neurontin can be taken with or without food. Your prescription should not be shared to anyone even if similar symptoms are manifested by the other person.

 

Neurontin Precautions

 

Your doctor’s supervision is essential to ensure that your medication is within safe dosages and that there are just few and mild side effects on you. Most anti-anxiety drugs also have harmful effects when they are used for purposes for which they are not really intended for. Use of Neurontin may cause drowsiness. Use of alcohol and other anti depressants will make effects of neurontin stronger. Before taking other medication when you are undergoing neurontin medication, you must notify your doctor so he may advise you of the risk it might pose on your health. Use of neurontin by pregnant women must also be discussed with your doctor. Neurontin is also excreted in breast milk so breastfeeding is not recommended when you are undergoing medication to avoid risking the health of your baby.

 

Neurontin Side Effects

 

The known side effects of neurontin may include fatigue, drowsiness, tremor, back pain, drying mouth, constipation, increased appetite, and upset stomach. Moreover, when you experience decreased coordination, doubling or blurred vision, sore throat and fever, swollen ankles, moods swings, memory loss or having trouble when speaking, or when you experience other cases other than those mentioned above, you must let your doctor know their occurrences. Drowsiness can be experienced during the earlier parts of the treatment but after some time, their bodies get used to the medication and they feel better in time. When the body develops tolerance to the drug, it becomes less effective over time. It is suggested that after two weeks of neurontin medication, you have to wean yourself off the drug for a while before using it again for it to stay effective.

Neurontin has been found to cause neurontin depression which occurs when the drug is used for treatment of anxiety disorders especially among children. Aside from neurontin depression, it is also found to cause neurontin anxiety. When you experience these two symptoms, it is strongly advised to notify your doctor immediately.

 

Neurontin Drug Interactions

 

Neurontin must not be taken within two hours of taking medication of an aluminum or magnesium antacid.

 

Neurontin Overdose

 

If an overdose is suspected, contact poison control and seek immediate medical attention.

 

Missed Dose of Neurontin

 

Take missed doses of Neurontin as soon as you remember. If it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose, take your missed dose and delay taking the next scheduled dose for at least one hour. Then return to the regular dosage schedule. Do not take a double dosage of Neurontin.