Neurontin

Neu·ron·tin (n-rntn)

A trademark for the drug gabapentin.

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gabapentin

Neurontin

Pharmacologic class: 1-amino-methyl cyclohexoneacetic acid

Therapeutic class: Anticonvulsant

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Unknown. Possesses properties resembling those of other anticonvulsants, which appear to stabilize cell membranes by altering cation (sodium, calcium, and potassium) transport, thereby decreasing excitability and suppressing seizure discharge or focus.

Availability

Capsules: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg

Oral solution: 250 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 600 mg, 800 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Adjunctive treatment of partial seizures

Adults and children older than age 12: Initially, 300 mg P.O. t.i.d. Usual range is 900 to 1,800 mg/day in three divided doses.

Children ages 5 to 12: Initially, 10 to 15 mg/kg/day P.O. in three divided doses, titrated upward over 3 days to 25 to 35 mg/kg/day in three divided doses

Children ages 3 to 4: Initially, 10 to 15 mg/kg/day P.O. in three divided doses, titrated upward over 3 days to 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses

➣ Postherpetic neuralgia

Adults: Initially, 300 mg P.O. as a single dose on day 1; then 600 mg in two divided doses on day 2 and 900 mg in three divided doses on day 3. Then titrate upward as needed to 1,800 mg/day given in three divided doses.

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment

Off-label uses

• Bipolar disorder
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Tremor associated with multiple sclerosis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal insufficiency
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 3 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Administer first dose at bedtime to reduce adverse effects.
• Don't give within 2 hours of antacids.
• Give daily doses no more than 12 hours apart.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Rapid	2-4 hr	8 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, malaise, vertigo, weakness, ataxia, altered reflexes, hyperkinesia, paresthesia, tremor, amnesia, abnormal thinking, difficulty concentrating, hostility, emotional lability

CV: hypertension, peripheral edema

EENT: abnormal vision, nystagmus, diplopia, amblyopia, rhinitis, pharyngitis, dry throat

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, anorexia, dry mouth

GU: erectile dysfunction

Hematologic: leukopenia

Musculoskeletal: joint, back, or muscle pain; fractures

Respiratory: cough

Skin: pruritus, abrasion

Other: dental abnormalities, gingivitis, facial edema, increased appetite, weight gain

Interactions

Drug-drug. Antacids: decreased gabapentin absorption

Antihistamines, CNS depressants, sedative-hypnotics: increased risk of CNS depression

Drug-diagnostic tests. Urinary protein dipstick test: false-positive result

White blood cells (WBCs): decreased count

Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, valerian: increased risk of CNS depression

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased risk of CNS depression

Patient monitoring

• Evaluate neurologic status and motor function.
• Assess WBC count.
• Monitor blood pressure.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient he may take with or without food.
• Advise patient to take first dose at bedtime to reduce adverse effects.
☞ Caution patient not to stop taking drug suddenly. Dosage must be tapered to minimize seizure risk.
• Instruct patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration, alertness, motor function, and vision.
• Tell patient that drug may cause joint pain, muscle aches, or bone pain. Encourage him to discuss activity recommendations and pain management with prescriber.
• Advise parents that drug may cause emotional lability and poor concentration in children. Tell them to contact prescriber if these problems occur.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

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Neurontin®

Gabapentin Neurology An agent used to manage postherpetic neuralgia and an adjunct for managing partial seizures in Pts > age 12 Adverse events Vertigo, somnolence, peripheral edema, asthenia, diarrhea, ataxia, fatigue, nystagmus. See Herpetic neuralgia, Seizures.

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Patient discussion about Neurontin.

Q. Polio Syndrome pain One of my aunt is taking Neurontin for Post Polio Syndrome pain in her left leg and arm. she did not realize that she had so much pain and that it was keeping her from doing so many things. Is Neurontin recomended for this treatment and how does it help? Will she have problems with Neurontin if she take it long term? Neurontin is greatly helping the pain but not the fatique in these limbs. Should it help the fatigue?

A. Neurontin is being given as medication for nerve pain now also...I take 800 mg a day and it was started for back pain and it is also being used in some fibro patients I am learning( i also have fibromyalgia) It didn't cause me a lot of drowsness but amount of medication and medications affect people differently so each person can be different. But with the fatigue fibromyalgia causes maybe I just can't tell the difference b/c before I started it I was tried all the time and that is not any worse. But if your Aunt and yourself feel uncomfortable with this treatment I would suggest a second opinion. Good Luck to your Aunt

Q. is neurontin a safe drug for a 75 year old person?i have leg and foot pain and swelling.are there bad effects

A. Neruontin active substance is Gabapentin, an anti-epileptic medication. it is also given in some other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. i guess that's the reason you got it. one of it's side effects is swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. i know i got that myself...and the advise to every side effect you encounter is the same- tell your Dr. about it. he might be able to change medication or reduce it in some level.