Neurontin (generic name: gabapentin)
By Andrew Sacks, Attorney at Law
Neurontin (generic name: gabapentin) was FDA-approved in 1993 for use as an anticonvulsant for people suffering from partial seizures associated with epilepsy. It is also FDA-approved for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia (persistent pain after a herpes zoster skin rash outbreak).
Neurontin is available by prescription only. It has been marketed and promoted for several non-approved uses including:
- bipolar disorder;
- pain syndromes, peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy;
- treatment of epilepsy alone (monotherapy);
- reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD);
- attention deficit disorder (ADD);
- restless leg syndrome (RLS);
- trigeminal neuralgia;
- essential tremor;
- migraines;
- chronic pain; and
- drug and alcohol withdrawal seizures.
Side effects; suicidal behavior/attempted suicide, paranoia, memory loss, hostility, unsteadiness, severe mania, depression, abnormal thinking, incoordination, dizziness, drowsiness, water retention, nausea and/or vomiting, ataxia (inability to control muscles), fatigue, and/or viral infection.
The drug company Pfizer (a/k/a Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert) has engaged in consumer fraud by marketing and promoting this drug for uses that it simply does NOT work for. In fact, in many cases, a placebo worked better than Neurontin.
If you have been prescribed Neurontin, bought and/or used the medication for a use other than one which is FDA-approved, and suffered any of the above side effects, please contact the law firm of Sacks, Weston, Smolinsky, Albert & Luber at 215-925-8200 or toll-free at 800-578-5300.
About the Author:
Andrew Sacks, Attorney at Law
Law Offices of Andrew B. Sacks & Associates
Penn Mutual Towers
510 Walnut Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-8200 phone
800-578-5300 toll-free
