There is no difference between Neurontin
and Gabapentin, as Neurontin is the
name of the product, while Gabapentin
is the name of the active ingredient
present in Neurontin. The color of
Gabapentin is white to off white,
and it is a crystalline solid that
is quite soluble in water as well
as in basic and acidic solutions.
Gabapentin has been approved by the
FDA to treat people with seizures.
Very few studies have been done to
confirm whether this drug can actually
be used in the treatment of mood disorders,
anxiety, or tardive dyskinesia. The
majority of the people who have been
treated with Neurontin (gabapentin)
are the patients suffering from bipolar
syndromes that are hard to treat.
Neurontin is also available in generic
forms. The generic drug has the same
active ingredients as the original
medication. Before this medication
can be administered to anyone they
should have a thorough medical checkup.
The recommended starting dose of
gabapentin is 300 milligrams three
times a day and not more than that.
Thereafter it can analyzed whether
the medication should be increased,
or decreased, or discontinued completely.
If you are taking other medications,
it is best to consult your doctor
before taking this drug as it has
been known to interact with other
medications such as:
• Antacids like Maalox
• Hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn) &
• Morphine (Kadian, MS Contin)
Gabapentin seems to be effectual
in some people with bipolar mood disorders
that have not responded to lithium
or other mood-stabilizers. Some people
who have not been able to tolerate
any antidepressant because of the
development of mixed states, have
been able to tolerate therapeutic
doses of anti-depressants when taking
gabapentin.
For most people, this drug has negligible
side effects. However some side effects
do occur. When used in the treatment
of seizures, the more common may include;
• blurred, dimmed, or double
vision,
• bronchitis (in children),
• dizziness or drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• fever (in children),
• involuntary eye movement,
• itchy, runny nose,
• lack of muscular coordination,
• nausea,
• tremors,
• viral infection (in children),
• vomiting,
• weight increase (in children)
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