Neurontin (gabapentin) is in a class of drugs known as the gabapentinoids, used primarily to treat seizure disorders and chronic nerve pain. They work by slowing down impulses in certain nerves.
Gabapentin is prescribed for:
- Diabetic neuropathy–High levels of sugar and poor oxygenation due to blood vessel damage in diabetes causes nerve damage. Pain is frequently a problem in a “stocking-glove” distribution, affecting the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
- Postherpetic neuralgia–herpes zoster, or shingles, is caused by the virus responsible for chickenpox, which lives in the nervous system for many years after all signs and symptoms of chickenpox have passed. The pain is distributed in a semicircle from the back to the abdomen or chest.
- Fibromyalgia–This poorly understood condition, in which pain is frequently seen in the neck, upper and lower back, and limbs, affects the way the brain and spinal cord process pain.
- Restless leg syndrome–Restless legs can keep patients awake. After 7 days of treatment with gabapentin, legs become less active and patients can rest.
- Migraine headaches–Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label to prevent migraine attacks.
- Alcohol withdrawal–Neurontin is used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms and convulsions in patients that are withdrawing from alcohol.
- Seizures–Gabapentin is effective for complex partial seizures, in which there is partial impairment of awareness, or simple partial seizures, in which awareness is normal.
Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Poor coordination
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Ankle swelling
- Fever
- Viral infection
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Tremor
Dosage
The dose varies widely depending upon what condition is being treated and what dose is right for each patient. The recommended starting dose is typically 200 to 300 mg two to three times per day by mouth and can be raised as high as 2,400 to 3,600 mg per day.
Is Gabapentin a Controlled Substance?
Like many prescription medications, gabapentin is abused by a small group of people recreationally and some states responded by making it a controlled substance. Given the restrictions, telemedicine services generally can only prescribe a month supply of gabapentin online.
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If you have one of the above conditions or need a gabapentin refill, QuickMD can help. We prescribe gabapentin online—from the convenience of your home.