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Neurontin

Neurontin (gabapentin) is a drug used primarily in the treatment of seizures and nerve-based (neuropathic) pain. It is also prescribed by doctors for a variety of off-label uses such as anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder.

While there is anecdotal evidence to show that Neurontin may help with these conditions, little research has been done into the scientific basis of such claims, let alone the potential side effects from this powerful medication being prescribed for non-approved uses.

Some studies have suggested that Neurontin increases the risk of suicide in patients with epilepsy, and in fact Warner-Lambert, the manufacturer of Neurontin paid out millions of dollars to resolve charges based on the fact that the company itself was promoting the drug for off-label uses. In fact, it is illegal for a drug manufacturer to engage in such activities.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Neurontin and experiences serious side effects, contact us today to determine if you may have a personal injury claim.

Neurontin Adverse Side Effects

Adverse side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop, you may wish to contact your doctor immediately.

Common adverse side effects in adults include:

  • Blurred, dimmed or double vision
  • Decreased coordination (clumsiness, dizziness)
  • Continuous, uncontrolled, back and forth or rolling eye movement
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness (fatigue, drowsiness)
  • Persistent sore throat or fever
  • Swelling of hands, ankles or feet
  • Mood changes (anger, depression, irritability)
  • Memory loss
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Severe Anxiety
  • Joint Pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Potential links to suicidal behavior

Adverse side effects common in children (3 to 12 years old):

  • Aggressive behavior or other behavioral problems
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration problems
  • Changes in school performance
  • Crying
  • False sense of well-being
  • Hyperactivity
  • Increase in body movements
  • Mental depression
  • Reacting too quickly, too emotionally, or overreacting
  • Rapidly changing moods
  • Restlessness
  • Suspiciousness or distrust
  • Amnesia
  • Thought disorders

Special Warnings About Neurontin

Neurontin causes some people to become drowsy and less alert. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full attention until you are sure that Neurontin does not affect you in this way.

Neurontin has been shown to cause behavioral problems in children. These adverse side effects include aggression, hostility, hyperactivity and lack of concentration.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications that your are taking including over-the-counter drugs. Also, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or hemodialysis. Your doctor may need to change your dosage of Neurontin.

The effects of Neurontin on pregnant women have not been adequately studied. However, birth effects have occurred in babies whose mothers took an antiepileptic medication during pregnancy. This drug should only be taken during pregnancy if absolutely needed.The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit. The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit.

If you or someone you love was prescribed Neurontin and suffered serious side effects, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our office today to find out more.

Category: 
Drugs
  • Cylert

    Cylert (pemoline) was a drug used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for thirty years before it was discontinued.


    In some patients pemoline has been suspected of causing hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity), so the FDA recommended that regular liver tests should be performed on those treated with it.


    Despite attempted efforts to make doctors and patients aware of the risk, the drug has been linked with a number of cases of liver failure, of which 13 resulted in liver replacement or death.

  • Darvocet

    Darvocet is a powerful painkiller that combined the opioid drug dextropropoxyphene with acetaminophen. It was removed from the market due to a variety of unforeseen side effects.


    One of the primary risks of Darvocet was the fact that it contained acetaminophen. Overdose of acetaminophen could happen all too easily, leading to potentially fatal liver toxicity.

  • Duragesis Patches

    Duragesis pain patches are a delivery method of the painkiller fentanyl that are able to provide up to three days' relief from severe chronic pain, such as that experienced by bone cancer patients. However, the active ingredient, as well as faulty construction of the patches themselves led to serious risks to patients and an FDA ban.


    Dozens of overdoses and deaths were linked to use of Duragesic patches before they were pulled from the market. An overdose of the morphine-like drug can put a patient into a coma and shut down breathing.

  • Eczema Drugs

    Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis is painful and troublesome form of skin inflammation. One major type of drug used to treat this condition is the topical immunosuppressant. This category of medication is applied to the skin of patients who do not respond to steroids.


    Two specific drugs, Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus), approved for treatment of eczema, are not without controversy. They have been closely associated with a possible cancer risk in studies done on animals.

  • Effexor

    Antidepressant drugs such as Effexor (venlafaxine) have been shown to increase the chance of suicidal thoughts and attempts in adults under age 25, while reducing the risk among older adults. Effexor is licensed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social phobia.


    The risk of suicidal thinking or attempts is 62 percent higher among the young adults enrolled in clinical trials of antidepressants, compared with patients taking placebos, Food and Drug Administration staff has said. On the other hand, among adults over 25, the risk of suicidal thinking declines by 21 percent.

  • Enteryx

    Enteryx is an injection used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic digestive disease where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus irritating its lining.


    Enteryx is injected as a liquid that solidifies into a spongy material that cannot be removed. When it is injected properly, it strengthens the lower esophagus, helping prevent stomach acid from entering it and causing pain.

  • Ephedra

    Ephedra is an herbal stimulant that was used as a dietary supplement for both weight loss and athletic performance enhancement. However, it was linked to heart attacks, strokes and other health problems, which ultimately led to its ban by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).


    Products containing ephedra and ephedra extract, also known as ma-huang, were widely promoted for losing weight and enhancing physical performance, with its popularity peaking in the early 2000s.

  • Femara

    Letrozole is a drug approved for use only in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. But there is evidence some doctors have prescribed it as a fertility treatment because it suppresses estrogen and can promote ovulation. It is marketed under the name Femara.


    The manufacturer of a breast cancer drug, letrozole, has warned fertility doctors that it has been associated with birth defects, a caution prompted by reports that the drug was being used to help a woman become pregnant.


    Swiss drug manufacturer Novartis sent letters to fertility doctors worldwide to reiterate a warning that the drug should not be given to women who may be pregnant.

  • Fen-Phen

    Fenfluramine/Phentermine, commonly called Fen-Phen, is a powerful diet drug that was taken by millions of Americans to combat obesity.


    However, clinical research showed that the fenfluramine portion of the combination can cause heart disease in otherwise healthy patients.


    Studies concluded that this drug could cause potentially fatal pulmonary hypertension and heart valve problems, which led to its eventually being pulled from the market.


    Though efforts were made to ensure that doctors no longer prescribed this harmful substance, many people were put at risk by this powerful drug.

  • Fosamax

    Fosamax is an oral biphosphonate prescribed to millions of osteoporosis sufferers over the years. It is supposed to increase bone density by slowing down the body’s process of bone breakdown over time.


    However, researchers have now found that this drug can actually cause bones to weaken and crumble.