Case Evaluation

Neurontin: Neurontin Overview

Neurontin Overview

What is Neurontin?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is a prescription medicine used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Neurontin cannot cure epilepsy, and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it. Neurontin is also used to manage a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) (pain after "shingles"). PHN is the painful after-effects of "shingles," an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin.

Neurontin is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to control seizures in epileptic patients.

Neurontin - Recent News

According to a recent USA Today report, an estimated 300 lawsuits have been filed to date alleging that Neurontin causes suicide or suicide attempt. Plaintiffs allege that Neurontin-maker Pfizer Pharmaceuticals failed to disclose the risk of suicide, and are advocating that the FDA require a black-box warning.

Pfizer has responded to the allegations, stating that there is no scientific evidence linking Neurontin to suicide. In December 2005, Pfizer changed the Neurontin prescribing information to include "suicide" and "suicide attempt" as infrequent adverse events. In 2004, Pharmaceutical manufacturer Warner-Lambert, a subsidiary of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, agreed to plead guilty and to pay more than $430 million to resolve criminal charges and civil liability in connection with the illegal and fraudulent promotion of unapproved uses for Neurontin. Click here to read more from the FDA.

Neurontin Precautions

The follow precautions should be observed before, while, and/or after taking Neurontin:

  • Children between the ages of 3 and 12 may be sensitive to the effects of Neurontin. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. For patients between the ages of 12 and 18, Neurontin has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than found in adults.
  • Because Neurontin is removed from the body more slowly in elderly people than in younger people, higher levels of Neurontin in the blood can occur. This can increase the chance of unwanted effects. Elderly patients may receive different Neurontin doses than younger people.
  • When taking Neurontin, it is important that your healthcare professional check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few months of treatment. This is necessary to allow for dose adjustments and for the reduction of any unwanted effects.
  • Stopping Neurontin suddenly may cause seizures to return or to occur more often. Talk to your healthcare professional about gradually reducing your dose of Neurontin first before stopping it completely.
  • Because Neurontin may cause blurred or double vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble thinking, you should make sure you know how you react to Neurontin before you drive, use machines, or perform any activity that requires alertness, good coordination, or the ability to think and see well.
  • Tell your healthcare professional that you are taking Neurontin before having any medical tests. Neurontin can affect the results of dipstick tests for protein in the urine.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

You should tell your healthcare professional if you:

  • have or have had any unusual or allergic reaction to Neurontin (gabapentin), or if you are allergic to any other substances (foods, preservatives, or dyes)
  • are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Although Neurontin has not been studied in pregnant women, animal studies have shown that Neurontin may cause bone or kidney problems in offspring when the mother is given doses larger than the human dose. Neurontin passes into human breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing infants.
  • have kidney disease

Are There Any Interactions With Drugs or Foods?

Neurontin and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take -- including prescription and non-prescription medicines -- especially:

  • Antacids (e.g. Maalox) - lower blood levels of Neurontin may occur. Neurontin should be taken at least 2 hours after any antacid is taken
  • Morphine (e.g. Kadian, MS Contin) - Higher blood levels of Neurontin may occur, increasing the chance of side effects Neurontin will also add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleep medications, prescription pain medication, narcotics, barbiturates, other seizure medication, muscle relaxants, anesthetics, or other medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert).

Neurontin - Getting Legal Help

While most medications have certain anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to make its products as reasonably safe as possible, and to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held legally responsible if patients are injured as the result of inadequate warnings or the unreasonably dangerous nature of the drug, under a legal theory called "product liability."

If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Neurontin, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Neurontin use.

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