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