Neurontin Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Neurontin, a brand name for gabapentin, is a prescribed anti-convulsant that affects nerves and chemicals in the body that cause seizures and some kinds of pain. Neurontin is used to treat seizures brought on by epilepsy. It is also prescribed to treat pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles.

Side effects of Neurontin include headache, dry mouth, dizziness, loss of coordination, unintentional body movements, bowel irregularity, vision problems, changes in thought patterns and weight gain. Neurontin may not be safe for those with liver, heart or kidney disease.^{[1] [2]}

Contents 1 Common Neurontin Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Neurontin Allergic Reactions 4 Neurontin Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Neurontin Side Effects

Common side effects of Neurontin include nausea, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, swelling of the limbs or the appendages, loss of coordination, strange muscle or eye movements, double or blurred vision, unusual thoughts, throwing up, heartburn, increased desire to eat, weight gain and diarrhea.^{[1] [2]}

Serious side effects of Neurontin include increased seizures, confusion, hoarse throat, rashy skin, itch, and swelling around the face or throat.^[1][2]

Children who take Neurontin are prone to side effects such as decreased ability to focus, altered mood, loss of coordination, unusual hostility or hyperactivity.^[1]

Drug Side Effects

Neurontin Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Neurontin can be serious or even fatal. They can affect the outer skin as well as inner organs such as the liver or the blood cells. Rash may or may not be present, and some allergies necessitate hospitalization. Signs of a severe reaction include hives, rashy skin, exhaustion, weakness, high temperature, unexplained bleeding or bruising, gland swelling and jaundice.^[4]

The active ingredient in Neurontin is gabapentin, which may cause an allergic reaction in some patients. Inactive ingredients of Neurontin, like lactose, cornstarch, talc, gelatin and titanium dioxide, may also cause allergic reactions.^[3]

Neurontin Precautions and Warnings

• Patients who are pregnant or might become pregnant are advised to consult with a physician before taking Neurontin. The effects of this drug on fetuses is not yet known. Women who conceive while taking Neurontin may aid in the study of this drug's affect on pregnancies by enrolling in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry at 1-888-233-2334.^[4]
• Taking gabapentin may cause suicidal thoughts to occur in certain individuals. Roughly one of every 500 patients studied who take gabapentin or similar drugs exhibited signs of suicidal behavior. In addition, gabapentin can cause other mental distress such as depression and anxiety.^[2]
• Hydrocodone (Hydrocet, Vicodin), morphine (Avinza, Kadian), naproxen (Aleve) and medications that cause drowsiness may interact with Neurontin.^[2]
• Consuming alcoholic beverages while on Neurontin will enhance any dizziness experienced from the drug.^[1]
• Neurontin may not be right for patients with kidney disease.
• Antacids are to be taken at least two hours prior to consuming Neurontin.^[1]
• It can be dangerous to take more than one medication with gabapentin, and Neurontin patients are directed to check active ingredients of all other medicines to be sure that they do not contain any gabapentin.^[1]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Gabapentin, Gabapentin Coupons, Gabapentin Side Effects, Lamictal Free Samples, Lyrica Coupons, Lyrica Side Effects, Lamictal Coupons, Lamictal Patient Assistance Programs

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694007.html#side-effects
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000940/
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_neurontin.pdf
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=630