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What is Neurontin?
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.
Important information about Neurontin
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.
How should I take Neurontin?
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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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