What is Neurontin?
Neurontin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Neurontin is used in adults to treat neuropathic pain (nerve pain) caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).
Neurontin is also used to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.
Use only the brand and form of gabapentin your doctor has prescribed. Check your medicine each time you get a refill to make sure you receive the correct form.
To ensure that gabapentin is safe to take, a person should tell a doctor if they also currently have or have ever had:
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- diabetes
- dialysis treatment
- drug or alcohol misuse issues
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures (if taking gabapentin for conditions unrelated to seizures)
Who may not be able to take gabapentin
Gabapentin is not suitable for some people.
To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or any other medicine
- have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine
- are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant
- are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)