Warnings & Recalls for Neurontin
In
August 2011, the FDA highlighted that Neurontin may react with
eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (
DRESS). Side effects include a rash, fever, or swelling of the liver (hepatitis), nephrons in kidneys (nephritis), heart (myocarditis), or skeletal muscles(myositis) which may be fatal.
Neurontin is classified as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration
pregnancy Category C medication. The effects of Neurontin on a fetus during human pregnancy have not been fully researched. However, in animals, an increased number of
miscarriages and
kidney or liver disease in the fetus had occurred. Neurontin does pass through breast-milk.
Consult your doctor before taking Neurontin if you are
pregnant or
breastfeeding.
Warning: Do not end dose cycle of Neurontin suddenly. This can lead to an increased risk of
seizures.
While taking Neurontin, you may be asked to use an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet including information about taking this medicine, for in cases of emergency. Make sure all doctors, dentists and surgeons know you are taking Neurontin.
Before taking
Neurontin, tell your doctor if you:
- are allergic to Neurontin
- have kidney disease
- have liver disease
- have heart disease or any heart disorder
- have depression
- are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- are taking any other medications
What Drugs Interact with Neurontin?
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
Morphine and naproxen may cause levels of Neurontin in the body to rise, magnifying side effects.
Hydrocodone should not be taken with Neurontin. This combination can lead to a decreased amount of hydrocodone and an increased amount of Neurontin in the bloodstream. This may cause extreme dizziness or fatigue.
Avoid drinking
alcohol while taking Neurontin. Side effects of Neurontin may be drastically increased.
Neurontin Treatment and Use
Neurontin | gabapentin is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) medicine marketed by Pfizer to use alone or in conjunction with other drugs to treat and reduce the occurrence of seizures. Neurontin is also used to relieve symptoms that occur after a shingles infection (postherpetic neuralgia or PHN). Neurontin can treat the following symptoms:
- pain or aching after a shingles infection
- restless legs syndrome
- preventing seizures
Neurontin should only be used for treating epilepsy patients above the age of 12. For patients between the ages of 3 to 12, partial epilepsy may be treated.
How does Neurontin Work?
It is unknown how Neurontin works. This medication is thought to prevent seizures by reducing the excess electrical activity in the brain which causes epilepsy. Neurontin triggers the action of GABA receptors (GABA) to calm nerves and relieve pain.
Neurontin Dosage Information
Neurontin comes in the form of tablets, capsules, or an oral suspension (liquid). Talk to your doctor about what treatment option is right for you. Do not take more or less Neurontin than what is recommended by your doctor. Neurontin should be taken only as your doctor prescribes. For optimal results, Neurontin should be taken regularly.
Use of Neurontin should not be abruptly ended. See “Warnings and Recalls” tab for more details.
