Neurontin

The generic name for the drug Neurontin is Gabapentin. Neurontin used for pain alone is a common misconception of a lot of people. This is because Neurontin can actually be used for two medical conditions. The drug is used to treat partial seizures, which are seizures that are not that serious. In fact, the symptoms of partial seizures are just limited. Neurontin can be used even if the seizures have an inclination towards becoming general in nature. The second use for Neurontin is that it is used to relieve nerve pain caused by herpes zoster or the herpes. This nerve pain is known to be of a somewhat burning sensation, and it can even persist years after the attack occurred.

So, how does Neurontin work? There are no definitive results that point out on how the drug actually works. But its main component, Gabapentin, has a certain effect on the nerves and chemicals that are active when seizures occur. It is then assumed that Gabapentin has a somewhat soothing effect on the chemicals and nerves active during seizures.

When it comes to Neurontin for pain related to the herpes virus, the drug is combined with other forms of medication. And it is mainly for relief of postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia is actually the nerve pain that is caused by the shingles or the herpes virus itself.

Neurontin treatment is very serious, and it’s obviously because it is being used for a serious medical condition. This is why you should not take high dose Neurontin, if this is not prescribed by your physician. This is true, no matter how badly you think you need Neurontin for pain. You should take Neurontin, as prescribed by your physician. Since this is just maintenance medication, to regulate the attacks of seizures, then it is very important that you take the drug thrice a day. There should be an interval of at least eight hours between dosages, but not more than twelve hours. Do not go longer than twelve hours for this can very well cause Neurontin side effects.

As mentioned already, you should not make the decision of increasing or decreasing your Neurontin dosage. This decision should come from your physician alone. Sudden stoppage of Neurontin is not advisable either. This increases the risk of seizures, and can very well increase the frequency of such as well.

You do not need to take Neurontin with meals. This is up to your discretion. Just be sure to stick to the schedule prescribed by your physician, and be vigilant about it. If you are taking an antacid during your Neurontin treatment, you should not take both medicines together. The combination of such could cause you more harm than good. In fact, there should be a two-hour gap between these two medicines. Typically, Neurontin should be taken two hours or more after the antacid is taken. And, double dosages of Neurontin should not be taken as well.

Side effects can never be anticipated because the incidence of such differs from one person to another. And Neurontin has its own fair share. The more common side effects of Neurontin include vision problems, bronchitis, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, fatigue, facial tics, particularly in the eye, colds, muscular coordination problems, nausea, vomiting, tremors, viral infections, and weight gain, particularly in children. If these side effects occur, do not be alarmed right away. Just inform your physician about them. He or she will be the one to determine whether or not you can still continue your Neurontin treatment. And if you have questions or concerns about anything regarding your Neurontin treatment, you should also voice them out to your physician. As always, it pays to be informed about your own medication. This can help you understand your condition even more.