Get Informed: Neurontin

151

Patient Comments about
Neurontin

Active Ingredient(s)

Gabapentin

What does it do?

Neurontin

This product is used in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic (nerve) pain. It works at different sites in the nervous system, although its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.

Last Text Update:
 2009-Nov-07 9:32 AM
Last Data Update:
 2009-Nov-07 8:28 AM

Other Names

  • Gabapentin
  • Neurontin

How Safe Is It?

Your Risk Rating
Please log in
Average Risk Rating
4: Elevated
Pregnancy Category:
C
Black Box Warning:
No

Facts & Figures

Date Approved
30 Dec 1993
Est US Patients*
3,531,000
Generic Available
Yes
OTC Available
No

User Age Distribution*

3

< 21

0

21-39

1

40-59

96

60+

Age (Years)

* Estimated number of US people currently taking Neurontin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.

Other Resources

Recent alerts for Neurontin

Neurontin Safety Report

4: Elevated

The iGuard risk rating for Neurontin is orange. This rating takes into account the fact that Neurontin has been associated with an increased risk of serious side effects during clinical trials. Also, Neurontin may increase the risk of developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It means that Neurontin should normally be used cautiously to minimize the risk of serious side effects.

Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings

  • Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Neurontin interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.

What is Neurontin used for?

iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 20,400 patients that use Neurontin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.

Disease / Condition % Average Severity
Neuropathic Pain 17% 6
Pain 13% 6
Restless Leg Syndrome 12% 6
Multiple Sclerosis 7% 6
Insomnia 4% 6
Panic Disorder 3% 5
Bipolar Disorder 3% 6
Pain-Musculoskeletal 3% 6
Epilepsy / Seizures 2% 5
Back / Neck Pain 2% 7
Migraine / Headache 2% 5
Fibromyalgia 2% 5
Other 43% 5

How well does Neurontin work?

iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 20,400 users taking Neurontin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.

Average Satisfaction Score

(out of 10)

Average Effectiveness Score

(out of 10)

61 61
69%
of patients are confident that the good things about Neurontin outweigh the bad things.
18%
of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Neurontin.

Common Side Effects of Neurontin

iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 20,400 users taking Neurontin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.

44%

44% of patients experience side-effects on Neurontin

8%

8% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Neurontin


Most Common Side Effects...

  • 10% Drowsiness
  • 10% Fatigue
  • 10% Dizziness
  • 5% Weight Gain
  • 5% Headache
  • 5% Memory/Speech Problems
  • 5% Mental Haziness
  • = 10%

Less than 1%: Abdominal Pain, Balance/Coordination Problems, Constipation, Depression, Diarrhea, Grogginess/Confusion, Heartburn/Reflux, Insomnia, Mood/Behavior Problems, Muscle Pain/Stiffness, Nasal Congestions, Numbness/Tingling, Ringing Ears, Sore Mouth/Throat, Thirst, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weakness


Global Patient Feedback for Neurontin (Gabapentin) ( Post a comment )

Comments, Questions, and Answers
Show Newest | Oldest first

Question/Comment:

I would like to know if there are any side effects for evening primrose oil on a 12 year old for pms.greatly appreciate any help thank you.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-11-04 19:21:54

Question/Comment:

I take Gabapentin 2700mg a day that 3 300mg 3x's daily yuck. I havent found it to relieve my symptoms I have 2 faild back fusions RLS and arthritis thru/out all my joints and degenerative bone disease. im only 37 and I started yelling at my boys and my husband over little things I was angry all the time and I was forgetting everything I would go make a cup of coffee, just to forget I was going to 2 mins after. I am not happy with the results of this, Hope theres sumpin else I can use.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-30 00:38:40

Question/Comment:

I have GAD and severe migraines. I have been prescribed neurontin 300mg X 3 a day, flexeril 10 mg X 3 a day, and 10mg of Klonopin 3 X a day. I specifically asked for weight neutral drugs, because I have gained 50lbs. I eat healthy and exercise, but the weight keeps adding on. I don't know what to do. My doctor doesnt seem worried about this as the weight gain has happened over a years time. I am worried sick, I dont want to be obese. Can anyone help? Thanks.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-20 18:20:23

Question/Comment:

I have MS. I take Gabapentin for muscle spasticity. Without it, I probably couldn't walk. The problem is, I have gained 25 pounds in just 2 months. I'm always hungry and it is a fight to eat right. I can live with this, but not if I keep gaining. Does anyone take anything different that does the same thing?

Risa

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-17 18:31:52

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 5 out of 100 patients reported weight gain as a side effect of taking Neurontin. You may want to discuss lowering your dose to see if you can maintain the benefit but reduce your feelings of hunger. There are other alternative agents that may help treat muscles spasms, like Flexeril, that are not typically associated with the weight gain side effects. Flexeril can cause significant drowsiness as well as other side effects. You should discuss the options with your doctor in order to make the best treatment decision.

Posted: 2009-11-03 22:40:37

Question/Comment:

I take 300mg of Neurontin twice daily and have not had any side affects. Taking the medication for year now. But always report problems to your Dr. immediately.

66 year old Male

Posted: 2009-10-14 17:16:26

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