Neurontin
Generic Name:
Gabapentin
Brand Names:
Neurontin, Gabarone
Neurontin Description:
Neurontin is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) medication prescribed for the treatment of seizures and nerve pain in patients who are 12 years of age or older. For patients between the ages of 3 and 12 years, Neurontin is indicated as adjunctive therapy (to be combined with other medication). Neurontin is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. and is made available as capsules, tablets, and oral solutions of varying strengths. Neurontin works by directly affecting the chemicals in the body and the nerves involved with seizures and specific types of pain associated with herpes or shingles.
Neurontin Uses:
Neurontin is prescribed to treat epileptic seizures and certain types of nerve pain that are present in postherpetic neuralgia.
While approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of epileptic seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, Pfizer Inc. and other third party manufacturers of gabapentin have reported a host of other off-label therapeutic uses for the product. Neurontin has been claimed to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy, migraine prophylaxis, hot flashes, monotherapy of partial seizures, essential tremor, bipolar disorder, phantom limb syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), drug and alcohol withdrawal seizures, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). The FDA has not approved Neurontin for use with these treatments.
Neurontin Interactions:
Neurontin may interact with hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox).
Neurontin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Neurontin can be taken as a capsule, a tablet, or an oral solution. The starting dose of Neurontin is 300 mg three times a day. Dosage is increased using 300 or 400 mg capsules, or 600 or 800 mg tablets three times a day, with a maximum recommended dosage of 1800 mg/day. The most effective total dose is 900 to 1800 mg/day, given in divided doses (three times a day). The maximum time between doses should not exceed 12 hours. For pediatric patients (aged 3 to 12 years), recommended starting dosage is 10-15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses, and the effective dose is 25-40 mg/kg/day given in divided doses (with exact dosage depending on condition and patient).
Missing a Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed. Overdose symptoms include double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Neurontin FDA Approval:
December 30, 1993
Neurontin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
While there is currently no Black Box warning on Neurontin, labeling on the medication was revised in 2008 to include a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antiepileptic medications.
A voluntary recall of one lot of Neurontin (40,000 bottles of the 100-mg capsules) was issued in April of 2005. The lot included some partially filled capsules and some that were empty.
Sources:
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation
/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm151865.htm - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neurontin-side-effects/AN01573
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600709
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009
/020235s041,020882s028,021129s027lbl.pdf
-
May 9, 2011, 1:27 pm
-
May 6, 2011, 1:37 pm
-
May 5, 2011, 12:55 pm
-
May 4, 2011, 1:29 pm
