Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsive drug that was first originated during the 1970s in Japan. This medication isn’t just engaged with the treatment of epilepsy yet additionally found helpful to treat a few mental problems.
Experts initially identified it as an anti-epileptic medication, yet its sedative characteristics are valuable in treating different mental ailments, especially sleep deprivation.
Gabapentin is a prescription medicine that comes in a variety of dose formulations. Neurontin is the brand name for its oral capsule. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name pharmaceuticals. The generic and brand versions of medicine are sometimes available in various formulations and potencies.
What is Neurontin Used for
| Authorized Uses | Neurontin (Gabapentin) |
| Partial (focal) type of Seizures | Neurontin (Gabapentin) is viable in treating the partial (focal) type of seizures. Clinicians used Neurontin in combination with other anticonvulsive medications to treat epilepsy in adults and children aged three years and up. |
To Treat Postherpetic Neuralgia | Postherpetic Neuralgia is a type of nerve pain caused primarily by shingles in grownups. The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles in individuals who have chickenpox. |
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) | Neurontin is used to treat restless legs syndrome, which is characterized by an irrepressible impulse to move one’s legs. |
In 1993, the FDA approved Neurontin to treat partial seizures. It is, however, also used off-label to treat a variety of different conditions.
Off-Label Uses of Neurontin (Gabapentin)
Neurontin (Gabapentin) has several off-label uses, including
- Neuropathic pain/ Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia (Nerve pain affecting brain and spinal cord)
- Bipolar disorder (BPD)
- Mood disturbances
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- In treating alcohol withdrawal
- Social phobia/Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Generalized tonic-clonic type of seizures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety-related illness that occurs after a traumatic episode.
How Neurontin Works
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anti-epileptic drug that comes from the anticonvulsant’s family. A group of medications that works similarly and possibly treat relatively similar conditions.
The mechanism of action of gabapentin is uncertain, but it is hypothesized that it. In individuals with postherpetic neuralgia, it appears to forestall the ability to sense the pain.
The prime objective of gabapentin (Neurontin) is to forestall or control seizures. Neurontin operates by reducing convulsion’s severity and frequency by relaxing neuronal activity.
Neurontin (Gabapentin) Dosage
Gabapentin is available as oral tablets, oral capsules (Neurontin), extended-release oral tablets (Horizant), and oral solutions. Your physicians’ dosage recommendations will be based on several criteria, including:
- The seriousness of your illness
- Whether you’re using a generic or a brand-name medication
- What type of medication are you taking?
- Your age, weight, and other medical issues are all factors to consider.
Commonly, your primary care physician will set you on a low dose and change it with the time to attain the quantity that is appropriate for you. They’ll, at last, recommend the minimum amount necessary to achieve the intended result.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and take the dosage accordingly. Your specialist will determine the best dosage for you based on your specific needs.
Potencies of Neurontin (Gabapentin)
- Gabapentin is a generic form that comes in oral capsules in strengths of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg.
- Neurontin is the brand version that also comes in oral capsules in strengths of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg.
- Oral capsules, pills, and a solution containing Gabapentin (Neurontin) are ordinarily taken three times a day with a full glass of water, with or without meals.
- Patients should take these medications at regular intervals during the day and night, with just 12 hours between doses. The extended-release pill (Horizant) is taken once a day, around 5 p.m., with food.
- The extended-release tablet should not be crushed, chewed, or broken; gulp down as an entire.
If You miss Dose
As soon as you recall, take your missed dose. If you neglect to take an extended-release formulation, and it’s almost time for your next dose, omit the missed dose and resume your set routine. To compensate for the missed dose, don’t take a double dose.
Neurontin (Gabapentin) Side effects
Neurontin (Gabapentin) has the potential to have negative side effects. If any of the following indications are persistent or serious, consult your doctor:
- Drowsiness/ Dizziness
- Severe Headaches
- Vision problems/ Blurred vision
- Edema (water accumulation in legs, feet, and in other body organs)
- Nausea/vomiting
- Cough/Chills/ fever
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
- Hypersensitivity/ rash/ itching/ severe allergic reactions
- mood changes/ anxiety/ depression
- Trembling/ uncontrollable shaking
- Weakness
Drug Interactions
Combining Neurontin (gabapentin) with other medicines that produce drowsiness or shallow breathing can cause significant side effects or mortality. Before taking opioids, sleep medicines, fever or allergic remedies, muscle relaxants, anxiolytics, or any anticonvulsants, consult your doctor. Even though Gabapentin (Neurontin) may cause various adverse effects, multiple individuals do not experience any. If you are having trouble using it, talk to your psychiatrist.
