Neurontin (gabapentin) is a prescription medication often
prescribed to relieve the nerve pain caused when shingles (herpetic
neuralgia) is diagnosed.
Shingles
is a viral infection affecting the nerves that is caused by a virus
similar to those that cause cold sores and genital herpes. It’s quite
common for the pain in the nerves to continue for as long as three
months after the shingles infection is healed. This lingering pain can
be severe enough to become debilitating.
Some of the more
common Neurontin side effects likely to develop are feelings of
weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Some patients may develop diarrhea
while others may experience swelling in their hands or feet. These side
effects are most often moderate to mild and will go away once the body
has adjusted to the medication.
Other Neurontin side effects
that may cause alarm are uncontrolled movements of the eyes. This, too,
will most likely go away over time but can be distressing in the
meantime. For this reason, it is advised that anyone taking Neurontin
avoid driving automobiles and operating other mechanical equipment
until the body has adjusted to the new medication.
It may
take as long as a week after beginning treatment for the pain relief to
become apparent. Patients are advised to be patient and maintain the
dosage prescribed by their physicians. Taking more medication to speed
relief is not a wise option and may lead to an overdose.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for children who are experiencing
postherpetic neuralgia. The Neurontin side effects in children vary
somewhat from those experienced by adults. Behavior issues and
hostilities may develop in children and they may experience difficulty
concentrating and focusing on schoolwork and play activities.
Children,
too, may experience the impaired coordination of Neurontin side effects
similar to those experienced by adults. Children experiencing this type
of reaction should avoid riding bicycles, especially in areas of heavy
traffic.
Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.