Neurontin capsule: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Neurontin capsule has the active ingredient Gabapentin, which is known as an anticonvulsant or seizure medicine. In order for the use of the drug to promote the best results, the patient needs to follow the instructions for using the drug or follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.

1. What is the effect of neurontin capsule?

What is neurontin capsule? This medication is often used in combination with many other medications to prevent and control seizures. Neurontin capsule is also used to relieve neuropathic pain after shingles (a painful rash caused by a herpes zoster infection) in adults.

2.How to use the drug neurontin capsule

Read the Instructions for Use carefully before starting to use neurontin capsule.
Neurontin capsule is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (orally) before or after meals as directed by your doctor. The dose of neurontin capsule is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dose is calculated according to the child's weight.
If the patient is taking the neurontin capsule and the doctor instructs to split the pill in half, you should take half of the tablet and use the other half for the next scheduled dose. Absolutely do not use the other half of the tablet if it is broken too long before a few days. Neurontin capsule is a capsule, swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water.

Most importantly, exactly follow your doctor's instructions. At first, the doctor may gradually increase the dose of neurontin capsule for the body to adapt. To reduce the chance of side effects, take the medicine at bedtime.
Patients need to take neurontin capsule regularly and regularly to get the best effect. Neurontin capsules work best when the amount of medicine in the patient's body is stable. Therefore, take neurontin capsules at evenly spaced times throughout the day. If you take neurontin capsules 3 times a day to control seizures, you need to be careful not to take them more than 12 hours apart because seizures can recur.
Do not arbitrarily change the time of taking the medicine or increase the dose without consulting your doctor. If used incorrectly, epilepsy can go unchecked and the risk of side effects increases.
Never stop taking Neurontin Capsule suddenly without a prescription, because symptoms may get worse when stopping the drug. The dose of neurontin capsule should be gradually reduced.
Stomach antacids containing aluminum or magnesium interfere with the absorption of neurontin capsules. Therefore, you should take the neurontin capsule at least 2 hours after taking the antacid.
There are different dosage forms of neurontin capsules (such as rapid release, slow release) and the way the body is absorbed is also different. Therefore, you should not arbitrarily switch from one form to another without consulting your doctor.

3.Side effects of the drug neurontin capsule

Common side effects when using neurontin capsule include:
Drowsiness; Dizziness, loss of coordination of movements; Tired body; Blurry or double vision, abnormal eyeball movements, or tremors. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following serious side effects occur:
Swelling of the hands; Swollen ankles or feet; Shortness of breath, slow shallow breathing. A small number of patients taking anticonvulsants (including neurontin capsules) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts or intentions, or other psychiatric problems.
Contact a doctor or healthcare professional when a patient, family or caregiver notices unusual, sudden changes in a patient's mood, thoughts, or behavior, including signs of depression. feelings, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.
Rarely, neurontin capsules cause severe allergic reactions. However, call 911 right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction such as: high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

4.Measures to prevent side effects of neurotin capsules

Before starting treatment with neurontin capsule, talk to your doctor about your allergy to gabapentin or any other allergies you have had before. It's important to share your medical history with your doctor if you've had kidney problems, psychiatric problems (such as depression, suicidal thoughts), drug use or abuse. drugs, alcohol, respiratory diseases (such as COPD).
Neurontin capsule causes dizziness, drowsiness or vision loss, if in the process of using the drug the patient abuses or uses alcohol, this can make this side effect worse. Therefore, when suffering from this sign, the patient must absolutely not drive or do anything that requires alertness or clear vision.
Elderly people are susceptible to side effects of neurontin capsule, especially dizziness, swelling of hands, swelling of ankles, swelling of feet, slow shallow breathing... Note effects Dizziness can increase the risk of falls in the elderly which is very dangerous. Therefore, the elderly are subjects that need to be used with caution.
In addition, children are also sensitive subjects, prone to some side effects when using neurontin capsule, especially mental, mood or behavioral changes (such as hostility, concentration problems, restlessness).
Neurotin capsules should only be used by pregnant women when clearly needed and need to be discussed carefully with the doctor about the risks and benefits. Gabapentin can pass into breast milk. Therefore, pregnant women should consult their doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Neurontin capsule drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the effect of neurontin capsules or increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, talk to your doctor about all the products you are using (including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products).
Absolutely do not arbitrarily use, stop suddenly or change the dosage of neurontin capsule without the approval of your doctor. Products that may cause drug interactions with neurontin capsule are: Orlistat.
The risk of serious side effects (such as shallow breathing, severe drowsiness or dizziness) is increased if neurontin capsules are taken with other products.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking other products such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications (such as zolpidem). , alprazolam, lorazepam...), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine...) or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine...).
Medicines you are taking can still cause drowsiness (such as allergy medicines or cough and cold medicines), so consult your pharmacist for safe use of those products.

6.Notes when using the drug neurontin capsule

Some notes when using neurontin capsule as follows:
Do not use neurontin capsule with other drugs containing gabapentin. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose. Store neurontin capsules at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Make sure all household medicines are out of the reach of children and pets. Neurontin is a drug often used in combination with many other drugs to prevent and control seizures and other conditions. In order to use neurontin effectively, patients need to follow the instructions for use of the drug or as directed by the doctor.

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Reference source: webmd.com