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Gabapentin
Brand Name: Neurontin
Overview
Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin, also known as GBP, an
anti-convulsant medication. It is frequently used with other medications
to control symptoms of epilepsy. The usual dosage in adolescents and
adults is between 300 and 3600 mg/day. In children age 3 to 12, the
dosage range is usually between 10 and 40 mg/day per kilogram body weight.
Neurontin is usually taken in three equal doses each day.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Neurontin is used primarily to treat epilepsy. More specifically it treats
elementary partial seizures (brief, without loss of consciousness) and
complex partial seizures (consciousness impaired), with and without
secondary generalization (grand mal epilepsy with loss of consciousness).
Usually it must be taken for two to three weeks to determine if it
decreases the frequency or severity of seizures. Neurontin can only treat
epilepsy; it is not a cure.
Neurontin is also used to treat:
- anxiety
- insomnia
- chronic pain (not FDA approved for this use)
Neurontin has been used as a mood stabilizer, but some studies show that
it is no more effective than a placebo in treating bipolar disorder.
Warnings
and Precautions
Neurontin has been tested in children and adolescents from 3 to 18 years old,
and its effects have been found to be the same as those in adults, when dosage
is appropriately adjusted.
Neurontin may impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Neurontin should not be discontinued suddenly – sudden withdrawal may cause
seizures to return or occur more frequently. Dosage should be gradually tapered
over at least 7 days when Neurontin is discontinued.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Neurontin has not been studied in pregnant
women, but other antiepileptic drugs have been known to cause birth defects.
Studies in animals indicate that very high doses of Neurontin can cause bone and
kidney problems. It is not known whether Neurontin passes into breast milk, and
nursing mothers should be cautious about using Neurontin.
Contraindications
Neurontin should Not be used for people with an allergy or sensitivity to Neurontin.
Precautions
Neurontin may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- Kidney disease – a lower dosage may be used.
Adverse
Reactions
Neurontin may cause the following reactions:
Side effects reported in children age 3 to 12 include:
- Aggressive behaviors / behavior problems
- Anxiety, fidgeting or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or change in school performance
- crying
- False sense of well-being
- hyperactivity
- depression
- emotionally overreacting / mood swings
Side effects in adults:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- fatigue
- clumsiness
- tremor
- nystagmus (rapid involuntary movements of the eyes)
- ataxia (shaky movements and unsteady gait)
- rhinitis ( excessively runny nose and eyes)
- nausea
- weight gain
- skin rash
- changes in vision
- vomiting
- low blood pressure
- constipation
- impotence
- lowered white blood cell count
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Neurontin include:
- Antacids (within 2 hours) – taking Neurontin with antacids may reduce Neurontin’s effects.
- Alcohol – frequent use of alcohol may seriously reduce the effectiveness of Neurontin.
- Tagamet (cimetidine) – may increase blood levels of Neurontin.
- Dilantin (phenytoin) – taking Neurontin with Dilantin may lead to phenytoin toxicity.
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including cold medicines – these medications may add to the sedative effects of Neurontin.
Sources
http://www2.health-center.com/
http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/drugShowLfts.asp?fname=usp0634.htm&title=Neurontin&cid=HT
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/NEU1289.HTM
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