Neurontin - an overview
Neurontin, active ingredient gabapentin, is a medication that is often prescribed to help treat conditions that include:
- Epilepsy - The FDA has approved Neurontin to work with other medications for seizures and for treating partial seizures in children that are three or older and adults.
- Shingles nerve pain - The FDA has also approved this medication to help treat nerve pain that is chronic and can occur after a shingles outbreak.
The maker
Pfizer, Inc. is the maker of Neurontin.
What it does
It is not clear exactly what Neurontin does for pain of the nerves. It is also not clear how this medication works in preventing partial seizures in those that have epilepsy. It is clear that it works with the brain's calcium channels and this might be how it is effective at treating nerve pain and seizures.
Is it effective?
Many studies have considered the benefits of this medicine on treating nerve pain and seizures.
Neurontin to treat Nerve Pain Occurring after an Outbreak of Shingles
Many studies have been done to determine how effective Neurontin is at treating pain from nerves that can occur after a shingles outbreak. Those that took this medication noticed less pain when compared to those that did not take it. One study suggests that an estimated 34% of those taking this medication actually felt half or less of the pain they initially felt, as compared to only 14% of a group of people that did not take it.
Neurontin to treat Epilepsy
Neurontin has also been studied as a form of treatment for those that have partial seizures and have epilepsy. These studies involved people that were already being treated with other types of seizure medicines and who had seizures that weren't controlled well. One study suggests that as many as 23% of those that added this medication had seizures half as often as they did before taking the medication, as compared to only 9% of similar participants not taking the medication.
Secondary Effects
Taking any medication has the potential for secondary effects. The same is true when taking Neurontin. Not all people that are treated with this medication will notice secondary effects. In general, this medication is well tolerated. If you do notice secondary effects, it is likely that they will be mild and will not require treatment. Other more serious secondary effects are not as common.
Commonly reported secondary effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Problems with coordination