Neurontin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Neurontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Neurontin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Neurontin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin.

Before taking Neurontin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Neurontin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking Neurontin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Neurontin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Neurontin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Neurontin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Neurontin: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased seizures;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

swelling of your ankles or feet;

confusion;

rapid back and forth movement of your eyes;

tremor; or

easy bruising.

Some side effects are more likely in children taking Neurontin. Contact your doctor if the child taking this medication has any of the following side effects:

changes in behavior;

memory problems;

trouble concentrating; or

acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Less serious Neurontin side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;

lack of coordination;

blurred vision;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

diarrhea, constipation;

dry mouth;

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

headache;

sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or

acne, mild skin rash.

Take Neurontin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Neurontin can be taken with or without food.

If you break a tablet and take one half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Neurontin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Neurontin.

Do not stop taking Neurontin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Neurontin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Neurontin.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Neurontin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use Neurontin regularly for best seizure control. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Neurontin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.