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Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding generic neurontin. It can be frightening to read a list of the side effects of Gabapentin. More than a few of my patients have immediately assumed that they would suffer from all of them. The truth is that most people will experience none of them, just the benefits of Gabapentin. Side effects vary from person to person and it is impossible to predict exactly how each individual will be affected. Some characteristics and pre-existing conditions are known to increase the risk from certain side effects. Doctors should assess these factors before advising patients on which drugs to choose. The FDA monitors reports of adverse drug reactions and has found no difference in the rates between generic and brand name drugs.

Neurontin (generic name gabapentin) is approved for postherpetic neuralgia the physical pain from shingles in adults, simple partial seizures and complex partial seziures. Neurontin is a proven pain reliever that doesn't mess with you as much as the other anticonvulsants do, and works better for non-migraine pain better than most of the others.

How to Take Neurontin

For shingles start with 1 300 mg dose. On day 2 take your 300 mg dose two times a day. On day 3 take it three times a day. Then work your way up as required to a dosage range of 1,800 to 3,600mg a day divided over three to four doses a day. For epilepsy Parke-Davis recommends you start right out with the therapeutic dosage of 900mg a day, divided over 3 300 mg doses. For bipolar, remember everything is off-label, experimental and, frankly, Neurontin is not a first-line bipolar medication.

How to Stop Taking Neurontin

Like any anticonvulsant, if you've been taking Neurontin for more than a couple months and you are up to or above 900 mg a day you just can't stop it if you're not at the therapeutic dosage for another anticonvulsant that you know works for you, otherwise you risk absence seizures, despite your never having had a seizure disorder before. The risk is worse if you're taking a lithium variant, or any antidepressant, especially Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride).

Side effects of Neurontin

The most common side effects of gabapentin are drowsiness, unsteadiness, sleepiness, loss of coordination, clumsiness, vision changes, and dry mouth.[xviii] Some people report the following rare side effects: edema, weight gain, swollen hands and feet, headaches, diarrhea, trouble thinking, abnormal thoughts, suicidal thoughts, fever, ataxia, diplopia, flu symptoms, shortness of breath, chest pain, mouth sores, chills, nausea, coughing, tremor, and other cold symptoms. Children react to gabapentin differently than adults. They may experience behavioral changes, moodiness, hyperactivity, overly emotional states, and restlessness.