Neurontin

Generic name: Gabapentin

Gabapentin capsules or tablets

What are gabapentin capsules or tablets?

GABAPENTIN (Neurontin®) is effective in helping to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adults with epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to help relieve certain types of nerve pain, and may be prescribed for other nervous system disorders. Generic gabapentin capsules and tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take gabapentin capsules or tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules or tablets with a drink of water. If gabapentin upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If your prescriber directs you to break the 600 or 800 mg tablets in half as part of your dose, the extra half tablet should be used for the next dose. If you have not used the extra half tablet within 3 days, it should be thrown away.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with gabapentin?

• antacids
• cimetidine
• sevelamer

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking gabapentin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• swelling of lips or tongue
• rash

May occur in children:

• fever
• hyperactivity
• hostile or aggressive behavior
• mood changes or changes in behavior
• difficulty concentrating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• back pain, joint aches and pains
• indigestion, gas or heartburn
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
• restlessness
• sexual difficulty (impotence)
• skin itching
• slurred speech
• sore gums
• tremor
• weight gain

What should I watch for while taking gabapentin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. You may want to keep a personal record at home of how you feel your condition is responding to gabapentin treatment. You may want to share this information with your prescriber or health care professional at each visit.

Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace if you are taking gabapentin for seizures. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional. You should contact your prescriber or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking gabapentin or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how gabapentin affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking gabapentin.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.