Neurontin for Shingles Nerve Pain

Neurontin is a medication prescribed to relieve nerve pain associated with shingles and diabetic neuropathy, and to prevent certain types of seizures. A brand name for the drug gabapentin, Neurontin lessens nerve pain by affecting certain chemicals in the body.

Shingles

• Shingles involves a very painful rash that usually fades over a few weeks. Some people, however, continue to have chronic nerve pain after the rash disappears, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Neurontin Function

• Neurontin reduces nerve pain by increasing the amount of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that lessens certain nerve activity.

Considerations

• People with kidney, liver or heart disease may not be able to safely take Neurontin, or they may have to take a smaller dose than usually prescribed.

Side Effects

• Because Neurontin can be sedating, dizziness and drowsiness are the most common side effects associated with this drug. Other possible side effects include coordination problems, nausea, blurred vision, and fluid retention.

Warning

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that anti-convulsant drugs, including Neurontin, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.