Neurontin FAQs

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin, also called gabapentin, is a prescription medicine that can be used to treat nerve pain that follows shingles in adults.

Who should not take Neurontin?

Do not take Neurontin if you are allergic to gabapentin, the main ingredient in Neurontin, or any other ingredient in Neurontin.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Neurontin?

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. It is not known if Neurontin can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will decide if Neurontin is right for you during your pregnancy.
• Are breastfeeding. Neurontin is past into your milk and may harm your baby. You and your doctor will decide if Neurontin is right for you while breastfeeding.
• Have any kidney problems.
• Have ever had an allergic reaction (itching, wheezing, hives, or swelling of the throat or face) to any medicine.
• Are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements. Neurontin may affect other medicines or other medicines may affect Neurontin. While you are taking Neurontin, don’t start any new medicines without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor or pharmacist will know which medicines are safe for you to take with Neurontin.

How do I take Neurontin?

Take Neurontin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to take it. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase the dose over days to weeks. It may take days to weeks to know Neurontin is working. If you are over 65 years old or have kidney problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose of Neurontin.

Neurontin comes in:

• Capsules - 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg
• Tablets - 600 mg and 800 mg
• Liquid - 250 mg/mL (cc)

Take Neurontin at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, just take your regular dose. Do not take more than 1 dose of Neurontin at a time.

You can take Neurontin with or without food.

If you take antacids such as Tums®, or Maalox®, wait 2 hours before taking Neurontin.

Do not stop taking Neurontin unless your doctor tells you. Stopping Neurontin suddenly may bring on a seizure. Your doctor will tell you when and how to stop taking Neurontin. Follow your doctor’s directions. The dose will be decreased slowly, over a week or more.

If you take too much Neurontin or overdose, call your doctor or poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What should I avoid while taking Neurontin?

Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you are sure you can stay alert while taking Neurontin. Neurontin may make you sleepy or dizzy.

What are possible side effects of Neurontin?

Some people may have side effects while taking Neurontin. Side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity.

The most common side effects in patients with nerve pain are:

• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Clumsiness
• Sleepiness, tiredness
• Shaking or tremor
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Neurontin may cause other less common side effects. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.