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Neurontin vs. Gabapentin

Are Neurontin (gabapentin) and Gabapentin the Same Thing?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizures. Neurontin (gabapentin) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Neurontin (gabapentin) is also used to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).

Neurontin (gabapentin) and gabapentin are the same drug. Gabapentin is the generic form of Neurontin (gabapentin). Other brand names for gabapentin include Gralise and Horizant.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Common side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin) include:

What Is Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • Pain from damaged nerves (postherpetic pain) that follows healing of shingles (a painful rash that comes after a herpes zoster infection) in adults.
  • Partial seizures when taken together with other medicines in adults and children 3 years of age and older with seizures.

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What Drugs Interact With Neurontin (gabapentin)?

Do Not take Neurontin (gabapentin) if you are allergic to gabapentin or any of the other ingredients in Neurontin (gabapentin). See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Neurontin (gabapentin).

Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking Neurontin (gabapentin) without first talking with your healthcare provider. Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) with alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness or dizziness may make your sleepiness or dizziness worse. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Neurontin (gabapentin) affects you. Neurontin (gabapentin) can slow your thinking and motor skills.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking Neurontin (gabapentin) with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well they work. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

 

How Should Neurontin (gabapentin) Be Taken?

Take Neurontin (gabapentin) exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Neurontin (gabapentin) to take.

Do not change your dose of Neurontin (gabapentin) without talking to your healthcare provider.

If you take Neurontin (gabapentin) tablets and break a tablet in half, the unused half of the tablet should be taken at your next scheduled dose. Half tablets not used within 28 days of breaking should be thrown away. Take Neurontin (gabapentin) capsules with water.

Neurontin (gabapentin) tablets can be taken with or without food. If you take an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium, such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, Gelusil®, Gaviscon®, or Di-Gel®, you should wait at least 2 hours before taking your next dose of Neurontin (gabapentin).

If you take too much Neurontin (gabapentin), call your healthcare provider or your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.