Neurontin Side Effects: Learn About the potential harm and other options.

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.