July 10, 2007 - 1:13pm
Neurontin? What other uses does this medicine have other than nerve pain caused by the herpes virus or shingles and the treatment of some types of seizures? Dr. Lois, anybody know? Just curious I know someone who takes it but I'm not sure why.
July 10, 2007 - 1:35pm
#2
OK
Thanks, thats a good link. I do know how to search the web and anyone on here must as well, so is this how every question should be answered? Anyone else, an MD perhaps that can help out here? I have asked the person and they don't really give me a response I buy into, which is why I asked. Thanks for the link to their website.
July 10, 2007 - 2:50pm
#3
From DrugDigest.org: What
From DrugDigest.org:
What are gabapentin capsules or tablets? (Back to top)
GABAPENTIN (Neurontin®) is effective in helping to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adults with epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to help relieve certain types of nerve pain, and may be prescribed for other nervous system disorders. Generic gabapentin capsules and tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•kidney disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine? (Back to top)
Take gabapentin capsules or tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules or tablets with a drink of water. If gabapentin upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
If your prescriber directs you to break the 600 or 800 mg tablets in half as part of your dose, the extra half tablet should be used for the next dose. If you have not used the extra half tablet within 3 days, it should be thrown away.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with gabapentin? (Back to top)
•antacids
•cimetidine
•sevelamer
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking gabapentin? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
•swelling of lips or tongue
•rash
May occur in children:
•fever
•hyperactivity
•hostile or aggressive behavior
•mood changes or changes in behavior
•difficulty concentrating
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
•dizziness, drowsiness
•dry mouth
•back pain, joint aches and pains
•indigestion, gas or heartburn
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
•restlessness
•sexual difficulty (impotence)
•skin itching
•slurred speech
•sore gums
•tremor
•weight gain
What should I watch for while taking gabapentin? (Back to top)
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. You may want to keep a personal record at home of how you feel your condition is responding to gabapentin treatment. You may want to share this information with your prescriber or health care professional at each visit.
Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace if you are taking gabapentin for seizures. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional. You should contact your prescriber or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking gabapentin or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how gabapentin affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking gabapentin.
Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
July 10, 2007 - 2:54pm
#4
I'm curious to know what the
I'm curious to know what the off label uses are? Can you give a list?
July 10, 2007 - 2:57pm
#5
Click this link for
July 10, 2007 - 4:03pm
#6
If you go to drugdigest, and
If you go to DrugDigest.org and type in "Neurontin", you can see the list of uses this medicine has.
Here is a direct link to the page that lists the Gabapentin (Generic Neurontin) uses.
July 10, 2007 - 5:23pm
#7
thanks GTP
thanks GTP
July 10, 2007 - 5:26pm
#8
No problem. I'm not sure
No problem. I'm not sure whether or not DrugDigest lists the off-label uses of the product or not. You might try Medscape.com to see what off-label uses this medication has. I know post-herpetic shingles and nerve pain are the two most common uses of this medication.
July 10, 2007 - 5:29pm
#9
yeah, thats what I thought,
yeah, thats what I thought, thanks again.
July 10, 2007 - 8:49pm
#10
I've been prescribed
I've been prescribed neurontin for nerve pain in my arm, neuropathy or whatever its called. I have just read recently though that neurontin, and even more recently Lyrica, can be used to help with fibromyalgia. I do not know the indications, or what it helps with, but I have the file somewhere that I saved for my sister-in-law who has fibromyalgia, so I will look into it to provide a source if anyone wants me to.
I'm a social worker, not a medical professional. All comments and thoughts are simply my opinion and experience.
July 12, 2007 - 1:53pm
#11
Neurontin Uses
My friend has diabeties, and consequently has the neuropathy pain in his feet. Also, my hubby's grandmother was prescribed it for pain in her legs? It's also prescribed to people as a preventive measure for migraines. It is commonly prescribed for people with restless leg syndrome.
Most recently, however, I was told it is effective in helping people through opiate withdrawals. I know that RLS is common in wd's, but I've heard everything from, "it practically takes them away" to "it helps give me back some of the lost energy from wd's).
This is the first time that I've EVER learned about the herpies connection. Go figure. 
you could always go to their website http://www.neurontin.com/
no one can say why another person may be taking this medication. if you want to know why they are taking it or if it is any of your business then why don't you just ask the person? the is several reasons why they may be taking it. we can give you a list of the indications for use and even the off-label uses but is it really going to help your search?
all thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical advice. i am not a doctor nor a pharmacist. all medical questions should be answered by a licensed pharmacist, doctor, or primary care manager.