Neurontin Questions

Q: What is Neurontin?
A: Neurontin (gabapentin) is a prescription medicine used to help control some types of epileptic seizures, as well as manic disorders and pain.

Q: Who makes Neurontin, and when was it approved by the Food and Drug Administration?
A: Neurontin, manufactured by Pfizer’s subsidiary Parke-Davis, was approved by the FDA in December 1993, and sales began a few months later.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Neurontin?
A: According to USA Today, an estimated 300 lawsuits had been filed by the summer of 2006, alleging that Neurontin causes people to commit suicide or attempt it. Plaintiffs, who

claim that Pfizer failed to disclose the risk of suicide, are urging the FDA to require a black-box warning on the label of Neurontin. And in 2004, Warner-Lambert, another Pfizer subsidiary, pled guilty and paid more than $430 million to resolve criminal and civil liability for illegal and fraudulent promotion of unapproved uses of Neurontin. 

Q: What are the side effects of Neurontin?
A: Its most common side effects are sleepiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, fatigue, tremor, nausea and double vision.

Q: Does Neurontin have any psychiatric side effects?
A: They are rare, but they include depersonalization, mania, agitation, paranoia, and increased or decreased libido.

Q: Is there an interaction between Neurontin and alcohol?
A: Alcohol may make Neurontin’s side effects worse.

Q: Is Neurontin available in generic form?
A: Yes. Generic forms of Neurontin are available in the United States since Pfizer no longer has patent protection.

Q: How does Neurontin differ from other mood-stabilizing drugs?
A: It is effective for some patients who do not respond to anti-depressants or mood stabilizers. And Pfizer touts its relatively mild side-effect profile—mild, except for the suicide risk.

Q: Is Neurontin available in countries other than the U.S.?
A: Yes, Neurontin is sold in about 60 other countries.

Q: What should I do if I have been injured as a result of taking Neurontin?
A: You should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. Then you may wish to meet with an experienced Neurontin lawyer to discuss your legal options.