Introductory Overview section and Core Concepts
Neurontin is a commercial name for gabapentin, a gabapentinoid medicine used mainly as an antiepileptic and for some types of neuropathic pain. In Australian clinical practice it is prescribed for certain seizure disorders and, when appropriate, nerve-related pain.
- Gabapentin constitutes the active ingredient
- Medicinal class: anticonvulsant / gabapentinoid
- Common dose forms: capsules or tablets in strengths such as 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg
Only take gabapentin that has been prescribed to you and follow the directions from your prescriber.
Before you kick off
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any of the following before gabapentin is prescribed to you:
- Reduced kidney function or if you are on dialysis
- A personal or family history of depression, self-harm or suicidal behaviour
- Allergic reactions to medicines or unusual sensitivities
- Pregnancy planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations
- Chronic breathing problems or concurrent opioid use
These factors can affect dosing, safety tracking and monitoring of performance and protection. Additionally, examine the section on this topic. Vigilant Automated monitoring and Daily Safety guidelines.
Gabapentin Dosage: How to Handle It
Take gabapentin with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food; if the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with a meal or a little milk. Keep dose intervals even throughout the day and follow the schedule your prescriber gives you.
- If instructed to split scored 600 mg or 800 mg tablets, use the other half at the next scheduled time. If you cannot use the half tablet within three days, dispose of it.
- Do not stop gabapentin suddenly unless your doctor advises you to do so, as stopping abruptly may raise the chance of seizures.
- Youngsters receive doses calculated by weight and age; always follow paediatric advice.
- If an overdose on pills occurs in Australia contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or arrive at your nearest emergency department. Dial 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
Doses That Were Missed or Were Extra
If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due in less than four hours, skip the missed a dose and continue with your usual schedule. Do not double up on a dose to cover a missed a dose.
If you take more than the prescribed amount, seek medical attention right away or call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Medicines and Substances that May Interact
Several medicines and products can affect how gabapentin works or increase undesired effects. Discuss all medications, supplements and recreational substances with your health professional.
- Antacids with aluminium or magnesium: may reduce gabapentin absorption; separate dosing by at least two hours
- Opioids such as morphine or hydrocodone: increased sedation and higher risk of slowed breathing
- Sevelamer: may lower gabapentin absorption; consider timing doses apart
- Naproxen: may alter exposure in some patients; monitor for undesirable effects
Avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin because it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Routine Watchfulness and Daily Protective actions
Follow-up lets your prescriber check how well the medicine controls symptoms and to watch for harmful bodily effects. The items below can help you stay safe while on gabapentin.
- Keep regular appointments so dosage and response can be reviewed.
- If seizure control worsens or you notice new seizure types, contact your prescriber promptly.
- Wear a medical identification if you have epilepsy and keep an up-to-date medicines list with you.
- Gabapentin can cause sleepiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Stand up slowly to reduce lightheadedness, especially in older adults.
- Gentle remedies such as sipping water or chewing sugar-free gum can relieve dry mouth.
- Like several antiepileptics, gabapentin has been associated with rare increases in suicidal thoughts; seek urgent help if mood changes or self-harm thoughts develop.
Expected adverse sequelae to look for
Not all negative effects occur for every person. Below are serious and more common effects to discuss with your clinician by your side.
Serious fallout that need urgent medical attention
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or breathing difficulty
- New or worsening depression, thoughts of self-harm or suicidal behaviour
- Marked drowsiness or breathing difficulties, particularly when combined with opioids or other sedatives
Regular or minor effects
- Lightheadedness and blurred vision
- Nausea plus constipation
- Problems with coordination, tremor or slurred speech
- Gradual weight gain in some patients
Report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your health professional. See Tracking and Routine Safety Measures for safety tips.
Hot temporary storage helps stage tasks before final processing. and Disposal Compliance
- Keep gabapentin out of reach and sight of children.
- Store at room temperature, roughly 15 to 30 degrees C, away from excessive heat, light and moisture.
- Do not use after this date has expired. Return unused or expired tablets or capsules to a pharmacy through the Return Unwanted Medicines scheme for safe disposal.
Replacement Medicines and Similar Drugs
Depending on the condition being treated, clinicians may suggest other options instead of or in addition to gabapentin. Choice depends on diagnosis, coexisting health problems, the pattern of a mutual exchange of ideass determines group dynamics. among prescription medications and cost.
- Pregabalin (for example, Lyrica) is a related gabapentinoid commonly used for neuropathic pain and certain seizures.
- Carbamazepine is often used for focal seizures and trigeminal neuralgia.
- Lamotrigine may be chosen for certain seizure types because of its tolerability profile.
- Levetiracetam is another widely used antiepileptic for focal and some generalized seizures.
- Topiramate can be used for seizures and migraine prevention in suitable patients.
- For neuropathic pain other possible paths include tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine, and topical therapies including lidocaine patches for localised pain.
Discuss additional a secondary options with your prescriber to weigh benefits, risks and likely costs. Glance at the side by side price comparison information Market price indices for Australia.
Australian Projected Costs
Actual cost depends on the pharmacy, brand or generic product, strength, pack size and whether the prescription is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The figures beneath are rough estimates and may vary.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin and generic forms): when supplied under PBS for an accepted indication most patients pay the PBS co-payment (about AUD 31 per standard supply for general patients and roughly AUD 7 for concession card holders). Private prescriptions for non-PBS uses can cost from about AUD 10 up to AUD 45 for a typical pack, depending on strength and quantity.
- Pregabalin: commonly PBS-subsidised for neuropathic pain; private retail prices for a mid-size pack are often in the range of AUD 15 to AUD 40.
- Other antiepileptics such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam and topiramate are available in many strengths and formulations and are frequently PBS-listed, with most patients paying the PBS co-payment.
Ask your local pharmacist about current PBS listings along with the lowest-cost generic options for your prescription.
Legal position and regulatory rules in Australia
- Scheduling: Gabapentin is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine under the Australian Poisons Standard. It may only be dispensed with a valid prescription.
- Driving and safety: If gabapentin causes drowsiness, dizziness or visual disturbance you must not drive or operate heavy machinery. People with epilepsy should follow Austroads fitness to drive guidance and any state or territory licensing rules.
- Personal importation: Under the TGA A Personal Importation Scheme you may be able to import up to a three month supply for personal use if you have a valid prescription alongside the medicine is in its original packaging; check current TGA requirements before importing.
- Online purchase: Only obtain prescription medicines from reputable Australian pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Avoid unverified online suppliers.
- Do not share prescription medicines. Store them securely and return unused supplies to a pharmacy for disposal.
Regulations and PBS listings can change, so confirm current rules with your prescriber, pharmacist or the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Help and Emergency Contact Information
- Emergency services: dial 000 for immediate medical emergencies.
- Poisons Information Centre (Australia): call 13 11 26 for 24 hour advice on she overdoseds and poisonings.
- Non-urgent medicine questions: speak with your pharmacist or contact the prescriber who issued your prescription.
If you are feeling very low, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, get urgent help by calling emergency services or a crisis line in your state or territory.
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