What is Neurontin? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times during therapy. 

Please read the Medication Guide that comes in the Neurontin package.

For epilepsy, take doses at the same times every day. Do not allow more than 12 hours to pass between doses.

Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.

How to take gabapentin capsules:

• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, or chew it.

• In situations where the patient cannot swallow the capsule, the doctor may suggest opening the capsule, sprinkling the contents into a small cup of water, juice, or apple sauce, and taking the dose that way. Ask the doctor before doing this.

• Store Neurontin capsules at room temperature in a closed, child-safe container.

How to take Neurontin tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• The tablets are scored so they can be divided into two doses. Ask a pharmacist or other healthcare provider how to correctly divide tablets.

• If you break a tablet into two pieces, use the second half as your next dose. Discard any unused half-tablet after 28 days.

• Store Neurontin tablets at room temperature in a closed, child-safe container.

How to take Neurontin oral solution:

• Shake the closed bottle well before each use.

• Measure the oral liquid with a syringe or medicine cup with millimeter markings. 

• Store Neurontin oral solution in the refrigerator in a securely closed container.

Take a missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the proper time.

If Neurontin is being taken for epilepsy, do not miss doses. Never allow more than 12 hours to elapse between doses.

Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to gabapentin.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking gabapentin. This drug may alter the results of some lab tests. 

Regular doctor visits are necessary to check the effectiveness of gabapentin treatment. Keep all appointments.

Before starting Neurontin, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The prescriber should also know about your medical situation, particularly if you have: 

• Any history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts

• Kidney problems

• Breathing problems

• Diabetes

Gabapentin is usually safe but can cause serious problems in some people, including:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Worsening of depression

• Impairment resulting in injuries or accidents

• Neuropsychiatric symptoms in children

• Severe allergic reactions

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop taking Neurontin doses suddenly. When it’s time to stop taking gabapentin, the prescriber may need to slowly decrease the dose over time.

While it’s important to keep medicines out of the reach of children, take extra care with gabapentin.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

• Opioids

• Drugs that make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, or sleeping pills

Do not drink alcohol on the days you take gabapentin.

Gabapentin cannot be taken at the same time as an antacid. If you take an antacid, wait at least two hours before you take gabapentin.