GABAPENTIN - Neurontin

Gabapentin Used For

Neurontin – Gabapentin medication is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures due to epilepsy, with or without secondary generalization in patients above 12 years of age. It is also prescribed as supplemental therapy for partial seizures for patients 3 to 12 years of age.

Directions for Gabapentin Neurontin

Following is the recommended dosage for Neurontin: For epilepsy: Adults and teenagers above 12 years of age can be started at 300 mg thrice a day and the dosage gradually increase as per doctor's advice. The dosage should not exceed 1800 mg a day. For children 3 to 12 years of age, the dose should be based on body weight with a start at 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight a day, divided into three doses. The dose may be increased gradually as per doctor's advice. For postherpetic neuralgia: Adults and teenagers can be started at 300 mg on day 1 with an increase to 300 mg twice a day on the second day and increasing by one dose a day thereafter. The maximum daily dose can be increased up to 1800 mg (600 mg 3 times a day) if the doctor feels it is necessary. Neurontin can be given orally with or without food. Dosage are available in 100mg, 300mg, 400 mg and 600 mg strengths.

How Gabapentin medication works

Gabapentin Neurontin may cause dizziness, somnolence and other symptoms and signs of CNS depression and so patients on the medication should not drive a car or operate complex machinery until they are fully comfortable with Neurontin and it does not affect their mental and/or motor performance adversely. Patients who require concomitant treatment with morphine may experience increases in gabapentin concentrations. Patients should be carefully observed for signs of CNS depression and the dose of the drug or morphine reduced appropriately.

Side effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin being an anticonvulsant, it might leave side effects like dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Other side effects may include aggressive behaviors or other behavior problems anxiety, concentration problems and change in school performance, crying, false sense of well-being, hyperactivity or increase in body movements, mental depression, reacting too quickly, too emotionally, or overreacting, rapidly changing moods, restlessness & suspiciousness or distrust. The patient should be carefully and constantly monitored for any unexpected & aggravated side effects.

Other Gabapentin Drug Information

600 or 800 mg tablets or Neurontin can be split into half to administer half the dose and the remaining half tablet can be taken as the next does. Half-tablets not used within several days of breaking the scored tablet should be discarded.