What is Neurontin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Neurontin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • SmartRx Gaba Kit, Smart RX Gaba-V, FusePaq Fanatrex, Gralise, Neurontin, Neurontin, Gralise, Gralise Starter Pack, Neurontin

Generic Names:

  • Gabapentin

Uses:

  • Treats seizures and pain caused by shingles.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant, Neuropathic Pain Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Neurontin used for?

Gabapentin comes in capsule form and is used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. It affects nerves and chemicals in your body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. Common side effects include skin rash, fever, muscle aches and flu-like symptoms

What form(s) does Neurontin come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Neurontin doses?

  • Capsule 100MG

  • Capsule 300MG

  • Capsule 400MG

  • Tablet 600MG

  • Tablet 800MG

  • Bottle 470ML of 250MG/5ML

Common Neurontin prescriptions

  • Neurontin
    10 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    100 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    120 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    20 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    30 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    30 tablets bottle

  • Neurontin
    35 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    45 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    470ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Neurontin
    50 tablets bottle

  • Neurontin
    60 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    90 capsules bottle

  • Neurontin
    100mg capsule

  • Neurontin
    300mg capsule

  • Neurontin
    400mg capsule

  • Neurontin
    600mg tablet

  • Neurontin
    800mg tablet

How to take Neurontin

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you have epilepsy, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses.

  • Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.

  • Gralise® tablet: Swallow the tablet whole . Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Neurontin® tablet: If you break a tablet into 2 pieces, use the second half as your next dose. Do not use the half-tablet if the whole tablet has been cut or broken after 28 days.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the Neurontin® oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Neurontin® tablet: If you break a tablet into 2 pieces, use the second half as your next dose. Do not use the half-tablet if the whole tablet has been cut or broken after 28 days.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Gralise® tablet: Swallow the tablet whole . Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the Neurontin® oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you have epilepsy, do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses.

Neurontin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to gabapentin.

Neurontin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems (including patients receiving dialysis) or lung problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or multiorgan hypersensitivity, which may damage the liver, kidney, blood, heart, or musclesChanges in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts or behaviorRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself, feeling depressed

Neurontin interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how gabapentin works. Tell your doctor if you also using hydrocodone or morphine.

  • If you take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours before you take gabapentin.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using lorazepam, oxycodone, or zolpidem.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Neurontin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself, feeling depressed

  • Rash, swollen or tender glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Problems with coordination, shakiness, unsteadiness, unusual eye movement

  • Behavior problems, aggression, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness (especially in children)

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness