While most people have no problems with Neurontin, some may display a number of side effects. You must consult your doctor if any of the Neurontin side effects become bothersome, or if they persist. Most of these side effects are minor and may require little treatment, or no treatment at all.
Neurontin is an anti-epileptic medication affecting the nerves associated with seizures and pain. It may be used alone or combined with other medication to treat epilepsy in adults and children 12 years old and above. It is also used to treat partial seizures in children between 3 and 12 years old.
Before using it, it is important for you to inform your doctor about any allergies and other diseases affecting the heart, liver and kidney. Your doctor will know what you need most suitable for your particular medical background and condition. You must take the prescribed medication to avoid some Neurontin side effects. Neurontin has been thoroughly studied and has displayed a number of common side effects which include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Coordination problems of motor sensory organs
- Fever
- Infections
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fluid retention in the limbs
- Unusual eye movement
- Confusion
- Easy bruising
Make sure to contact your doctor the moment you encounter some of these side effects. Some of these side effects that may possibly cause unusual reactions to your use of Neurontin include fever, hives, swollen glands and painful sores in or around the eyes and mouth. Mood changes, hyperactivity agitation, depression and anxiety as well as thoughts of hurting themselves or suicidal tendencies should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible for proper guidance.
Parents and guardians should also observe their children taking Neurontin for symptoms such as changes in behavior, problems with memory, restlessness, aggressiveness and trouble with concentration. Any display of these symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Some rarely occurring Neurontin side effects include weight loss, hangover or migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, high cholesterol, hemorrhoids, ulcers, thyroid problems, sun sensitivity, kidney stones and psoriasis.
A common Neurontin side effect is weight gain. Some children taking the medication have gained weight, according to studies. However, weight gain is unusual or unhealthy. It is also seen to happen with adults, though in rare occasions. Individuals noticing weight gain while taking the medication can carry out some processes to help them manage their weight. These include eating healthy food with lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise and reduced alcohol intake. Rapid weight gain is caused by fluid retention and heart failure. You must inform your doctor right away.
Some may also experience sexual side effects. These include change in sex drive- with a high number of patients displaying low to complete loss of libido, and in rare cases, increased sex drive. You may also encounter problems with ejaculation, including delay and inability to ejaculate. Both male and female patients may also experience problems with orgasm. Reporting such effects to your doctors is important because they will readjust the patients’ dosage or recommend a different treatment for nerve pain and epilepsy.
Pregnant women are not advised to take Neurontin because it is not considered safe for them. Animal tests indicate that the drug increases miscarriages and brings about problems in the urinary tract and the kidney. However, the full risk of the drug for pregnant women is not known, but the patients must make sure that they consult medical experts if they are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.
Consulting a doctor before taking Neurontin is very important because it will help you handle Neurontin side effects which may occur. When consulting your doctor, these medical specialists will be able to know these side effects that are easy to treat, as well as those that require immediate medical attention. You should also inform your doctor in case of prolonged or persistent side effects as well as emergence of new ones. Your doctor can make the necessary changes to the dosage and give you sound advice on possible treatment options.