Neurontin (gabapentin)

How does it work?

Neurontin capsules and tablets contain the active ingredient gabapentin, which is a medicine that is mainly used to treat epilepsy. (NB Gabapentin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Gabapentin works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain.

The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This can result in seizures or fits.

Gabapentin prevents epileptic fits by preventing the excessive electrical activity in the brain. It is thought to do this by mimicking the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA.

Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are stored in nerve cells. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance. Gabapentin is structurally similar to GABA and so is thought to mimick its action. This helps calm the nerve activity in the brain.

Gabapentin is used to prevent partial seizures, and partial seizures that spread to secondary generalised seizures.

As gabapentin stabilises electrical nerve activity, it can also be used to treat pain that occurs a result of damage to or a disturbance in the function of nerves (neuropathic pain).

What is it used for?

Epilepsy - used for partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation. This medicine may be used on its own to treat adults and children aged 12 years and over, or as an add-on therapy for adults and children aged six years and over who are already taking other antiepileptics.

Nerve pain (neuropathic pain) in adults, for example due to diabetic neuropathy or following shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Warning!

This medicine might make you feel dizzy or sleepy and so may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as this may result in your seizures or nerve pain returning or getting worse, or side effects such as anxiety, nausea, pain, sweating or difficulty sleeping. If it is decided that you should stop taking this medicine, the dose should usually be reduced gradually over at least a week. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.

This medicine is not generally considered effective in the treatment of absence seizures.

Use with caution in

Elderly people.

Decreased kidney function.

Diabetes.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

Neurontin capsules contain lactose and should not be taken by people with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Neurontin tablets do not contain lactose.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

It is very important for women with epilepsy to talk to the doctor responsible for their epilepsy treatment before becoming pregnant. Antiepileptic medicines in general are associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders and malformations in the baby. However, stopping antiepileptic treatment during pregnancy runs the risk of the mother having seizures, which can harm both the mother and the foetus. This risk may be higher than that from continuing the medication. It is important that all the risks and benefits of treatment are weighed up. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of gabapentin for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk, but the effect of this on a nursing infant is unknown. It should only be taken by mothers who are breastfeeding if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

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