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Neurontin
Capsules
Chemical Name: GABAPENTIN (GA-ba-pen-tin)
Common uses
This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. It may also be used in adults to treat nerve pain following herpes zoster infection or to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking morphine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE SWALLOWED WHOLE, or the contents of the capsule may be dissolved in juice or sprinkled over soft foods (such as applesauce) immediately before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS CONTAINING aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is less than 4 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Taking this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially mood or behavior changes (such as mood swings, trouble with mental concentration, restlessness, hyperactivity, hostility, or aggressive behavior). THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE FALSE RESULTS with some home tests that check for protein in your urine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking this medicine and need to check for protein in your urine at home. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, back pain, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, or an upset stomach. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased coordination, changes in vision (double or blurred vision), back and forth eye movements, flu-like symptoms, persistent sore throat or fever, swelling of ankles, mental or mood changes, memory loss, or trouble speaking. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include double vision, slurred speech, severe sluggishness or drowsiness, or diarrhea.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
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