Neurontin
Neurontin is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and long-lasting nerve pain (peripheral neuropathic pain).
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
600 mg
Active Ingredient
Gabapentin
Manufacturer
Upjohn EESV
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you how much Neurontin to take. For adults, the usual starting dose is 300-900 mg per day. For children aged 6 years and older, the dose is usually 25-35 mg per kg of body weight per day. Your dose will be gradually increased.
Method
Take Neurontin by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Tablets can be split into two equal halves.
Important
For adults, the maximum daily dose is 3600 mg, taken in three separate doses.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Viral infection
- •Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, ear infection or other infections
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Loss of appetite, increased appetite
- •Hostility, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking
- •Seizures, jerky movements, speech problems, memory loss, tremor, sleeplessness, headache, skin tenderness, reduced sensation (numbness), coordination problems, abnormal eye movements, increased/decreased or absent reflexes
- •Blurred vision, double vision
- •Vertigo
- •High blood pressure, flushed face or widening of blood vessels
- •Breathing difficulties, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nasal mucous membranes
- •Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, inflamed gums, diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
- •Facial swelling, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, muscle twitching
- •Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- •Swelling of legs and arms, difficulty walking, weakness, pain, general feeling of illness, flu-like symptoms
- •Weight gain, low white blood cell count
- •Accidental injury, fracture, abrasion
- •Aggressive behavior and jerky movements (in children)
RARE
- •Agitation (restlessness)
- •Allergic reaction, hives
- •Reduced movement
- •Heart palpitations
- •Difficulty swallowing
- •Swelling, including face, upper body and limbs
- •Abnormal blood test results indicating liver problems
- •Impaired mental performance, mental disorder
- •Falls
- •High blood sugar (mostly in diabetics)
- •Low blood sugar (mostly in diabetics)
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Breathing difficulties, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- •Decreased number of platelets
- •Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations
- •Abnormal movements like writhing, twitching, and stiffness
- •Ringing in the ears
- •Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- •Acute kidney failure, urinary incontinence
- •Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- •Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, pain, sweating), chest pain
- •Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- •Changes in blood test results (increased creatine phosphokinase)
- •Sexual dysfunction (inability to achieve orgasm, delayed ejaculation)
- •Low blood sodium levels
- •Anaphylaxis (severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction)
- •Development of dependence (drug dependence)
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to gabapentin or any other ingredients.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- If you are on hemodialysis and experience muscle pain or weakness, tell your doctor.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, as these can be signs of acute pancreatitis.
- If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, you may be at higher risk of becoming dependent on Neurontin. Talk to your doctor.
Show 5 more warnings
- A small number of people taking epilepsy medicines, including Neurontin, have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you have these thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
- Stop taking Neurontin and get urgent medical help if you develop severe skin reactions, such as red patches with blisters, peeling skin, or swelling of the face, high fever and swollen lymph nodes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS).
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain, especially if you also feel unwell or have a high fever. These could be signs of serious muscle breakdown leading to kidney problems.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties, as severe cases may require emergency care.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction affecting the skin or other parts of the body, such as rash, redness, hair loss, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, yellowing of the skin/eyes, unusual bruising/bleeding, severe tiredness or weakness, unexpected muscle pain, or repeated infections.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Sedative. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. Note especially central nervous system adverse effects. Take the several interactions in the absorption phase into account. (updated 14.4.2025)