Neurontin is the brand name for the drug gabapentin. This drug has been prescribed for a number of uses since it was first introduced in 1994 to treat epilepsy. Since then, it has also been prescribed for depression, migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. Neurontin has also been used to treat peripheral neuropathy as well as a number of other mental conditions and disorders.
There are some side effects of Neurontin that you should be aware of if you or a loved one has been prescribed this medication. You should also be aware that children will likely be more affected by this type of medication than adults, although there are exceptions.
If you are an adult that is taking Neurontin, you will likely notice that you become more dizzy and drowsy. These are side effects that you must take note of since they can affect many of your daily activities such as caring for other people, operating machinery, and driving. In many cases, you will find that these effects are reduced as your body gets used to the medication.
Another side effect of Neurontin is that of peripheral edema. This condition happens when your feet and hands swell. This is usually uncomfortable and in some cases it may even be painful. It is important to see your doctor if the swelling lasts for more than a week or two or if the swelling is so painful that you cannot use your hands or feet.
When children take Neurontin, they often experience side effects such as blurry or double vision, blackouts or forgetfulness, aggression, restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as other symptoms. It is important to tell the child's doctor how the medication is affecting the child's behavior. Particularly in the case of children, prescribing the right dosage of a medication such as Neurontin is a matter of finding a balance between effectiveness and controlling of the symptoms that required the use of the medication in the first place.