This article describes Neurontin’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Neurontin. If you want to know more about Neurontin, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Neurontin is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral solution. It’s available in a generic version called gabapentin. This article describes dosages of Neurontin.
Forms and strengths of Neurontin
Neurontin comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 600 milligrams (mg) • 800 mg |
| oral capsule | take by swallowing | • 100 mg • 300 mg • 400 mg |
| oral solution | take by swallowing | • 250 mg per 5 milliliters (mL) |
Dosage of Neurontin
This article describes the recommended dosages for Neurontin. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Neurontin without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Neurontin in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Neurontin. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Neurontin that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for nerve pain and other conditions
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Neurontin for adults in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| nerve pain after shingles | • day 1: 300 mg as a single dose • day 2: 300 mg two times per day • day 3 and onwards: 300 mg three times per day* | 1,800 mg per day |
| partial onset seizures | • starting dosage: 300 mg three times per day • maintenance dosage†: 300–600 mg three times per day | 3,600 mg per day |
* Your doctor may increase your dosage as needed for pain relief up to 600 mg three times per day.
† A maintenance dosage is what you’ll take throughout your treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
Dosages of Neurontin in children
Neurontin is prescribed for partial onset seizures in children ages 3 years and older with epilepsy. The dosage is based on the child’s weight.
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Neurontin for children in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage* | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 years | 10–15 mg/kg split into three doses throughout the day | 40 mg/kg split into three doses throughout the day | 50 mg/kg per day |
| 5–11 years | 10–15 mg/kg split into three doses throughout the day | 25–35 mg/kg split into three doses throughout the day | 50 mg/kg per day |
| 12 years and older | same as adults | same as adults | same as adults |
* A maintenance dosage is what you’ll take throughout your treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
Dosage adjustments for Neurontin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Neurontin based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Neurontin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Neurontin. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Neurontin and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Neurontin and its dosage.
What is considered a low dose or high dose of Neurontin?
The lowest recommended dosage of Neurontin is 300 milligrams (mg) two times per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 3,600 mg per day. The recommended dosage depends on what Neurontin is being taken for.
If you have questions about the right dosage of Neurontin for you, talk with your doctor.
Is Neurontin taken long term?
It can be. Doctors may prescribe Neurontin as a short-term or long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Neurontin, talk with your doctor.
Is there a risk of dependence or withdrawal with Neurontin?
It’s not known if there is a risk of dependence with Neurontin. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.
However, there have been rare reports of withdrawal with Neurontin. Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to. Withdrawal wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
If you have questions about the risk of dependence or withdrawal with Neurontin, talk with your doctor.
How Neurontin is taken
You’ll swallow Neurontin up to three times per day. You can take it with or without food.
You’ll swallow Neurontin oral capsule whole with water. Neurontin oral tablet has a score line (groove), so it can be divided if needed. Half-tablets should be taken within 28 days of dividing the tablet. If the half-tablets aren’t used within 28 days, throw them away. If it’s hard for you to swallow pills, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Neurontin coupon
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