Generic Neurontin: Description, Price, Dosage, and More
Gabapentin
Neurontin, also known as Gabapentin, is a drug that medical professionals recommend to control and prevent seizures in patients. It’s also used to handle other medical conditions. Learn what Generic Neurontin is, the cost, usage, and side effects as you read further.
What Is Generic Neurontin?
Generic medications are generally drugs that are less widespread than original brands. As a result, many misinterpret these drugs as counterfeit, but they are just as effective as their counterparts. The only differences are their packaging, price, and popularity.
Neurontin is one of the many drugs doctors recommend for partial seizures in patients above three years. It’s also a practical option for treating shingles. A rash people are likely to develop if they’ve suffered chickenpox previously. Chickenpox’s virus often lays dormant but is triggered by stress, causing nerve pain.
Gabapentin also treats restless legs problems. Doctors recommend the medication based on the severity and cause of the problem. Mild cases might require intake for only a few days, while more severe problems might need prolonged treatment.
Other cases where Gabapentin helps are migraines and anxiety treatment. Patients complaining of constant body pain and those with bipolar disorders can also use the medication.
How Much Does Generic Neurontin Cost?
Prizes of drugs always differ depending on the brand name and the place of purchase. The milligram on your prescription is another determinant of how much you’ll be spending on the drug. If the case is mild, you might not spend a lot, but you could end up paying more in serious scenarios.
Since the generic version of the medication is cheaper than original brands, it’s best for people on a budget. Such costs are also beneficial to patients who would use the medicine long-term.
Regardless of the milligram, all tablets come in different packaging, influencing the cost price. For instance, generic 100mg x 30 tablets cost $1.67 per tablet and $49.95 per pack. The same 100mg x 60 tablets is $1.00 per tablet and $69.95.
If you’re buying the 300mg, you’ll be spending more per tablet and pack. The same applies when purchasing the 400mg, 600mg, and 800mg.
Where to Buy Generic Neurontin?
Gabapentin is one of those medications you can’t buy if you don’t have a prescription. Unfortunately, many pharmacies have it in stock but wouldn’t sell it till they’re sure it’s safe for you. However, if you have a written recommendation from a medical expert, you can get this medicine easily.
Several physical pharmacies are available so you can walk into the closest one in your area, render your prescription, and purchase. If this option isn’t convenient, consider using online pharmacies. These internet medical establishments take your order and deliver the medication to your doorstep.
Online ordering only incurs extra free delivery, but you get quality drugs at a reasonable price. Patients might be lucky to have a discount if these sites have promotions or offer free coupons. Regardless of this, you might need a doctor’s prescription before you can place such orders.
How to Use Generic Neurontin
No person ought to use this medicine if a doctor hasn’t approved. Once recommended, the expert tells you how and when to use the drug. The dosage depends on several elements, including:
- Age
- The severity of the problem
- Type of Neurontin to use
- Medical History
In most cases, you’ll be given the least possible dosage that’ll be effective. Then, over time, your doctor will increase your dosage and watch how this affects your body system.
Patients can comfortably take the medication on an empty stomach or after a meal. If you’re using tablets or capsules, avoid breaking, chewing, or opening them for the best results. Instead, swallow the pill with water.
Measure oral suspension and take only the doctor’s recommended amount; nothing less, nothing more. It’s best to use a medical dosage cup to get the appropriate amount. Keep tablets and capsules away from moisture and light and refrigerate the suspension.
How Long Does it Take for Generic Neurontin to Work?
Neurontin takes a while to begin functioning, sometimes, a few days or weeks. Its healing rate depends on the condition you’re treating and your response to the drug. Even patients suffering from the same condition might not get the exact result when on the medication.
Another reason the drug works slowly is the administration. Medical professionals start with a low dose and then increase it until the medicine is effective. For instance, a person with nerve pain might start with a 300mg dosage but gradually increase until 600mg.
Though Gabapentin takes a while to work, you should never stop taking it suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from using the medication could lead to worse problems. For example, if you’re using it to control seizures, you might worsen the symptoms if you stop using the drug without medical advice.
What are the Side Effects of Generic Neurontin?
There’s a possibility of having side effects when using any medication. Some that you’ll experience are mild, and they include:
- Fever
- Jerky movements
- Speaking troubles
- Nausea
Most mild effects disappear after a few days, and you feel better during medication. However, there are more severe cases to note. Call for medical help if you notice any of these:
Mood changes: this symptom consists of:
- Restlessness
- Worsened anxiety
- Constant suicidal thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Sudden aggression and violent behavior
- Unusual mood
- Over talking and hyperactivity
Life-threatening reactions: Patients notice:
- Severe rashes
- Swollen glands that don’t heal over time
- Swollen tongue and lips
- Constant weakness
- Muscle pain
- Whitened eyes and yellowed skin
- Other infections
Other drugs may affect Neurontin’s function, causing additional effects. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if there’s another medication you’re taking aside from Neurontin. These include supplements, vitamins, and any herbal product.
Conclusion
Generic Neurontin has several effects on the human system. Though it treats various medical conditions, it also has potential adverse effects. Therefore, before taking the medication, seek medical advice.