Neurontin Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Neurontin Capsule contains gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medicine also known as a gabapentinoid. It is used to treat nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has healed, and together with other medicines, to treat partial seizures in adults and children 3 years of age and older. Neurontin is available as capsules, tablets, and an oral solution.

What is Neurontin Capsule

Neurontin is a prescription medicine containing gabapentin. It is available as capsules, tablets, and an oral solution, and it belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (also called gabapentinoids).

Neurontin Capsule uses

• Treats nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) that follows healing of a shingles rash in adults
• Used together with other medicines to treat partial seizures in adults and children 3 years of age and older with epilepsy

Benefits of Neurontin Capsule

• Can reduce nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has healed
• Can reduce how often partial seizures happen when added to other seizure medicines

How Neurontin Capsule works

Gabapentin is similar in structure to a natural brain chemical called GABA, which calms overactive nerve cells. It attaches strongly to a part of certain nerve calcium channels, which is believed to help control seizures and nerve pain, although the exact way it works is not fully known.

Neurontin Capsule dosage

Neurontin Capsule can be taken with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, break, or open them. If you take an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium, wait at least two hours before your next dose of this medicine. Take doses evenly spaced out, with no more than 12 hours between doses if taking it three times a day. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not change your dose without medical advice. Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your healthcare provider first, as this can cause serious problems including increased seizures. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double up.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsules (100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg)
• Tablets (600 mg, 800 mg)
• Oral solution (250 mg per 5 mL)

Side effects of Neurontin Capsule

Common

• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Difficulty speaking
• Recurring infections
• Memory loss or memory problems
• Weight gain or weight changes
• Coordination problems, unsteadiness, tremors, jerky movements
• Unusual eye movements, double vision
• Swelling, usually of the legs and feet
• Dry mouth
• Constipation or diarrhea

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, or swollen, blistered or peeling skin, with or without fever
• Trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, eyes, mouth, or tongue
• Suicidal thoughts, thoughts about dying, or suicide attempts
• New or worsening depression, anxiety, irritability, agitation, or restlessness
• Trouble sleeping, panic attacks, aggression, anger, impulsive behavior, extreme increase in activity or talking, confusion, or memory problems
• Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising
• Signs of kidney problems: trouble urinating, change in how much urine is passed, blood in urine, or weight gain and swelling from fluid retention
• Bluish color of the skin on lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes, along with severe fatigue, weakness, or unexpected muscle pain
• Serious breathing problems, especially when combined with other drugs that cause drowsiness
• Severe skin reactions with fever, rash, and swollen glands (a serious multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction)

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause a serious allergic reaction called DRESS (multi-organ hypersensitivity), which may involve fever, rash, and swollen glands along with problems in other organs. Some cases have been fatal. Stop the medicine and get medical help if these symptoms occur.
• This medicine can cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can happen after the first dose or at any time. Stop taking it and get emergency medical care if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue.
• Stopping this medicine suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop, in people being treated for epilepsy. Never stop or change your dose without talking to your doctor.
• This medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for new or worsening depression, anxiety, or unusual changes in mood or behavior, and report them to your doctor right away.
• Serious, life-threatening, or fatal breathing problems (respiratory depression) can occur, especially when this medicine is combined with opioids or other drugs that cause drowsiness, or in people who already have breathing problems.
• In children age 3 to 12, this medicine has been linked to emotional changes, aggressive behavior, trouble concentrating, restlessness, and changes in school performance.
• It is not known if this medicine can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so you and your doctor can decide together whether to continue this medicine during pregnancy.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
• This medicine is removed from the body mainly by the kidneys, so people with kidney problems or those on dialysis may need a lower dose. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
• Watch for signs of liver problems such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual bleeding, and tell your doctor if these occur.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase sleepiness or dizziness.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you, since it can cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Storage

• Store capsules and tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Store the oral solution in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• Do not freeze the oral solution
• Keep out of the reach of children
• If you no longer need the medicine or it is expired or damaged, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice weak or shallow breathing, blue-colored skin, lips, fingers, or toes, confusion, extreme drowsiness or weakness, problems with balance or muscle movement, unusual eye movements, or increased seizures.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, thoughts of self-harm, or a sudden worsening of mood or behavior while taking this medicine.
• Get medical help right away if you develop a rash, fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue, or unexpected muscle pain, as these may be early signs of a serious reaction.
• If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, seek urgent medical attention right away, even if there are no signs of discomfort.

Alternatives

• Pregabalin
• Amitriptyline
• Lamotrigine