NEURONTIN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING NEURONTIN.
GABAPENTIN - ORAL (gab-uh-PEN-tin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Neurontin
USES:
NEURONTIN is taken with other medications to help control seizure
disorders.
HOW TO TAKE NEURONTIN:
Take NEURONTIN by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few
days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body
to adjust to the medication. To minimize side effects, take the very
first dose at bedtime. For best effects, take NEURONTIN at evenly
spaced times throughout the day and night. This will ensure a
constant level of drug in your body. Do not take this more often or
increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition
will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects may
be increased. Do not stop taking NEURONTIN suddenly since seizures
may reoccur. Your dose should be gradually reduced over time.
SIDE EFFECTS:
NEURONTIN is usually well tolerated. Drowsiness, dizziness,
unsteadiness, fatigue or nausea may occur. If these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly
any mental or mood changes, tingling or numbness of the hands or
feet, swelling of the ankles, vision problems, fever or unusual
bleeding. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly fainting,
difficulty moving, stiffness, uncontrolled movements,
stomach/abdominal pain, leg or chest pain or trouble breathing. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using NEURONTIN, tell your doctor your medical history
including any kidney disease or drug allergies. Use caution
operating machinery or engaging in activities that require
alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the
dizziness/drowsiness effect of NEURONTIN. NEURONTIN should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. It is not known if NEURONTIN is excreted
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take especially other medication for seizures, and antacids.
Because antacids may interfere with the absorption of the medication
into the body, it is best to take NEURONTIN at least two hours after
taking an antacid. Do not take them at the same time. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
NOTES:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking NEURONTIN to
monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time
for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
STORAGE:
Store NEURONTIN at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light Do not store
in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507. |
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